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Les diagrammea suivants illustrant la mAthode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "^r'pj^ffr^TT'!^^''^?^^^^ .. % 1 ^ t * V The Author has received the following Letters » from prominent Abolitionists, Statesmen, and Poets, relative to the First Ecjition of his " Recollections and Experiences of an . Abolitionist." [Fnm GerrU Smith, the AbolUUmUt,] Pktkbboiio', N. Y., Feb. 20th, 187& My Dear ^pend, — I rec«ived fhe "proofs" you were so Idnd as to send mlb^ and am pl^fMe4 to learn that you intend pnUish-. ing in book form, yonr "Recollections and Experiences" dnring the fiye eventful years that preceded onr final struggle with the slave power. I am afraid, my dear friend, you will not do yourself the justice you deaenre. No one knows better than I how deeply devoted yon were to the cause of the op« pressed, or with what heroic bravery, determination, and sno> cess, you laboured to bring the poor slaies out of bondage. The descendants of those for whom you so often perilled your life, will " rise up and call you blessed." ^ am old, jjjd* most 76,) and infirm, you are young, and I trust still vigjpwwy May heaven bless you, iithe sincere wish of your frienoL ^''' OptBIT SSdTH. liH— HHii iBiiiiilHIiiiki !f^ mmmmmmmm W '^!"P' r [Froh LucrcHa Mottf the gifted QuaJkereta.] BoAOSiDK, ii«arFluIadelphi», 8thnio,Jtii, 1875. Dear Friend, — I have read thy volume of "Recollections,'* with absorbing interest. The story of thy hazardous efTwrts, my dear friend, is moet> interesting, as have ever been to me the risks of such as "have not, counted their lives dear to themselves," in aid of the poor slaves escape. Thy book gives a more circumstantial account of the marvellous achievements of the martyr, John Brpvrn, than I had before seen. It was our sad privilege to have his poor wife under our roof during his trial and the melancholy result. With grate- ful thanks for the noble and courageous part thee acted during our struggle with slavery. I remain thy sincere friend. LUCRETIA MOTT. [From Wendell Phillips, the Anti-Slavery Orator,'] Boston, 10th July, 1875. I read your work, "Recollections and Experiences," with profound interest and satisfaction. Every actor should make such contributions to the history of that struggle, more especi- ally such chivalrous and heroic actors- as yourself. Your friend. . \: WENDELL PHIELIPS. [From John O. muttier, the Quaker Poet.] Amesbury, 9th mo. 17th, 1875. My Dear Friend, — I have read thy. " Recollectionfi and Experiences," with the deepest interest and sympathy and profound respect and admiration. Braver act was never such than thine in thy raids of humanity. I knew that thee had taken a noble part in our cause, but was not prepared to hear of so much self-sacrifice and heroism. Thanking thee for what thou hast done for the slave, and for the kind thought that prompted thee to send thy book to me. I am with high respect and esteem, thy friend. n. JOHN G. WHITTIER. 4- ^mm te^j 4r ^4p« iri^Bi Hartfoxi*, Conn., Jtnly 2i2nd, 187ft. [From Harriet Beeeher Stowe, Autlior of Uncle Tom*» 'Cabin.^ .1 have read your work with unabated interest through to the end. It carries me back to thii time when my brother, Henry Ward Beeeher, and myself, just returned from « Western life and come to live in Eastern cities, were shocked and outraged by finding, both in church and state, a universal bowing down to 4ih9 Fugitive Slave Law. I remember his coming then to lecture up in the State of Maine, where I was then living, and of bur meeting and sitting up at night to ask each other. What can toe do for a testimony against this wrongs He was going to preach and lecture through the land ; and I said, "I have begun a set of sketches in the National Era, to illustrate the cruelty of slavery : I call it Uncle Tom's Cabin." "That's right," he said, "write it, and wie'U print it, and scatter it ' Thick as the Leaves of Vallambrosa. ' " That was the beginning, and since then " What hath God wrought !" Whenever since then I have been tempted to be low spirited or desponding, I think, well I thank God for one thing, I have lived t*> jisee slatery abolished ; and God only knows what a comf^-that is. ',,Never let aii^ oil0 despair, that has'-Uved to see that. .What a poihfort to you mu;t be thie reflection that you have saved so many from these horrors. I congratulate you ottliucfa tf record. With sincere respect and synipathy, Ever truly yours, H. B. STOWE. [From Mary A. Brown, widow of Captain John Brown, the Liberator and Martyr. ] BoHNERviLLE, Oct Sth, 1875. I sincerely appreciate your sjrmpathy and kindness in send- ing me your deeply interesting volume of **|bcollections and ■•— r Experienoes." I am pleased U» be remembered by the friend and oo-worker of my departed husband. Hay the Almighty be with yon in your noble work for the •leration of humanity, is the prayer of your sincwe friend. * MARY A. BROWN. {From William Lhyd Oarriaon, the Pioneer Abolitionist in the United Statet.} BosToir, Aug. 18th, 187S. My Dear Friend, — You will hardly need to be assured that I have read your volume of *' Recollections and Experiences," with great interest and satisfaction. It must be a source of unalloyed pleasure toyou to call to mind the active and zeal* oiif part you took in our great struggle, particularly in refer* ence to enabling slaves to escape from their southern house of bondage, and procuring for them aid fmd succour on their way to Canada, and after their arrival on that side of the line. That you did not fall )& victim to your humanity in view of the perils which, every where at the South, beset your path* way — ^but were permitted to see the four millions of slaves set free from their bonds, and raised from chattelhood to the rights of American citizenship, is indeed cause for equal won* der and congratulation. Neither you nor I, nor any other abolitionist expected to live to see this unparalleled transfer* mation. At times, however, it seems almost like a dream, rather than a bright reality. WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON. [From Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Avihor.'l Concord, Aug. 5th, 1875. I have been reading your new gift with extreme pleasure and interest. I did not know that the kind friend who made himself known to me as a benefactor, a student of Natural »^- f History, and » collector »nd giver of good booke, wm a hero who had ventured his life again and again to save the slaves and had aftred them. I rejoice in the history, and I shall |iriM my hooks from Canada At; an enhanced value, knowing that my nnlben knight is the lover of birds, lover of EngUsh poetry, as well as the deliverer of the oppressed. If 1 were not, as I am, fast bound to get out a book in Boston and Lon- don, promised three years ago, and prevented by the burning of my house, I should seek you at youf home or at mine* But at present, I am a prisoner, and cannot indulge that hope. Bni you must not come into Massachusetts without letting me know it. Come to me if you can ; if not, I will go to you. R. W.EMERSON. [From Lydia Maria Child, the AuthortM.I Watlaxd, Aug. 15th, 1876. Dear Dr. Ross, — You deserve the respect and gratitude of every friend of freedom for your earnest and efficient efforts to bring the oppressed out of the house of bondage. The present generation cannot realize how courageous, as well as cautious a man must have been to carry on such a mission as you did during several years. It seems so strange that those exciting times in which we li' ed ucA laboured with soul thrilling inci- dents constantly urging us on, have now become mere records of history ! And how inadequate the record will be to con- vey a true idea of the time, money, talent, and zeal so lavishly expended to right a great national wrong ! I never quite nn- derstood John Brown's proceedings, until I read your deeply interesting book of "Recollections." With feelings of pro- found thankfulness for your neroic help during our struggle to throw off the virulent disease that was poisoning the life* blood of the nation. I remain your friend. LYDIA MARL^ CHILD. [From the BiglU Honourable John Bright, of England.] Rochdale, 8ept 21st 1875. I have read your book of "Recollections,'' with great pleat> nre and satisfaction, becauso I have always felt great admira- tion for the abolitionists of your country. Their advice, if acted upon, might have saved much blood and treasure, but unhappily nations will apparently only accept the teachings which come in the shape of a great calamity. I thank you for your kind remembrance of me, and am, with respect, your friend. JOHN BRIGHT. [From the Right Honourable TT. E. OlcuUtonet late Prime ^ Minieter of England. } Hawardkn Oastle, Ohestbr, Jan. 14th, 1876. I read with the utmost interest your "Recollections and Experiences of An Abolitionist." 1 cannot withhold my ad- miration for the skill, forethought, and tenacity which you exhibited in the warm pursuit of a great purpose, nor for the signal courage, disinterestedness, and humanity which formed the basis of your Vhole proceedings. Faithfully yours. W. E. GLADSTONK [From Charlee Francis Adams, late United States Minister to England.] Boston, March 21st, 1876. The narrative of your "Recollections and Experiences," revives in my mind the details of the great struggle through which the country passed, the penalty for the negligence of our ancestors. I have been greatly interested in your adven- tarea, which mttst at times have been attendisd by greater perils even than those of open war. We have the strongest reas cious book in my library. I am, with sincere respect and sympathy, Your friend, B. F. WADE. [From WiUiam Cullen Bryant, the Poet.] New York, Aug. 2Sth, 1875. Your " Recollections and Experiences," are exceedingly interesting — made so by the characteristic sketches of the personages who figure in the events of the story, and the heroism, courage, and disinterestedness you displayed in your noble efforts to help the slaves to freedom. With sincere respect, your friend, W. C. BRYANT. [From Oeiifiral OarihaMt.] Rome, May l.%h, 1876. My Dear Rosa, — Your book (Recollections and Experiences) has given me great delight and satisfaction. I am proud to number among my dearest friends one, who has done so much for the cause of human freedom as you have. Yours, devotedly, G. GARIBALDI. '^^^ [From the Emperor of Rumh'm.] Russian Legation, Washington, D.C, 15th Feb., 1876. I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty, the Emperor, has been graciously pleased to accept your inter- 9 Mtbg Mid initrnotive work, entiiled *' Reoollaotioiu and Bqp«ri«iioM of an Abolitionut," and haa ohaiged mo to tranimit to yon Hia Augnat thanka. 8HISHKIN, Envoy Eaotraordinary and Min, Pknop^y. [IVotn the New York Ihening Pat^ (edited hy JfiUUm CulUn Bryant) SqtUmher 2, 1875.] Dr. A. M. Roaa, the author of a book entitled " BecoUeo- tionaaad Ezperienoea of an Abolitionibt," devoted himself for the five or liz yearp that preceded, the war to the work of asaiating alavea to 'escape. The wonder only is, that he ever lived to tell of his adventures. Anybody familiar with thetemper of the Southern people just before the war, will easily guess the fate of a man who should have been detected in what Dr. Ross proposed to do, and did. The author must have been a man of uncommon devotion, courage, anJ sense. A good part of Dr. Ross's " Recollections" are devoted to John Brown, whom he knew well. [From the Irish Canadian, Toronto, July 7, 1875.] " Recollections and Experiences of an Abolitionist," is the title of a volume from the press of Rowsell & Hutchison, Toronto. The author is our good friend Dr. A. M. Ross, of this city. Long before the thrilling pages of his "Recollec- tions" greeted our eyes, we kuew Dr. Ross to be the devoted friend of the slave. His sympathy for the oppressed of all climes and colours is as boundless as the impulses of his noble heart, and the exact colour of a man's skin, or the particular race to which he may belong, is no barrier in his estimetion to the right to freedom which God intended from the be- ginning should be the birth-right of all the human family. The story, from the beginning to the end, is an unbroken series of striking adventures and bold and skilfully-laid plans 10 tot the resone from slavery of the poor and friendless negro. None but a man of nerve and indomitable will would dare to penetrate the interior of the slave States of the South in the service of Abolition ; few have done so without incurring extreme risk personally ; yet, in the face of imminent danger, and almost in the jaws of death. Dr. Ross ventured on des? perate expedients in the prosecution of his cherished object, and attained success. Dr. Ross may fairly claim the proud distinction of having fought the good fight of Right against Might, till the last link was knocked from the bleeding limbs of the last slave. [From the Rev. John Carrcll, in the Christian Ouardian, Toronto, January 12th, 1876.] Dr. Ross is Comparatively a young man, Since going out of the profession of medicine he has found leisure for scientific study and authorship. He is a facile and successful book, maker. His works on the Birds and Insects of Canada, his native country, have won him honours and the approval of those capable of judging. His works are the outgrowth of his own knowledge and personal observation. As the title indicates, this is particu- larly the case with his last issue, which is not scientific, but relates to a social question (or more properly a great social wrong), now happily set at rest by the logic of events. Of course, aU are now free to denounce the sin and injustice of Slavery; but it was quite another thing to denounce it, and to seek individually to release its victims in the country where it was upheld by law during its existence. Every person of any considerable amount of intelligence, or who has come up to middle life, must know that slavery, and the attempts to overthrow it, constitute a chapter in history peculiar in its character — a chapter which is yet to be fully written out. Dr. Ross's book will serve to furnish materials for the chapter indicated, as well as suggest the way to invest it with interest. n of Of of to lere There is a craving in most minds which renders the details of adventure interestihg ; but when those adventures have been encountered in the cause of any one's injured rights, there is a symoathy with the success of the enterprise which adds to the attraction. There can be uo doubt there was » fascination to tlie agents of tlie "Underground Railway" in the very risks they ran. The "whole figure" abolitionists lived in a world of their own : a tempest-tossed sort of life, it is true, and this thrilling duodecimo gives us a peep into that world. The author spent five years in the hazardous work of assibting fugitive slaves in escaping from thraldom. He was a coadjutor of that remarkable man, Capt. John Brown, .about whom he gives us a great deal of curious and desired information, as well .as of all the other conspicuous abolitionists. Every person who has been much among boys, in fact every one who recall his own boyhood, does not require to bo told how eagerly growing lads devour the accounts of strange adventures. Some of these, alas„ are of a very pernicious kind, and should l)e carefully withheld from the hands of young readers ; but here is a book which will meet the demands for the strange and the thrilling, and bring the young mind into sympathy with the suffering, and with the noble doings of those who endeavour to ameliorate their condition. [From tlie Phrenological Journal, September, 1874-] Dr. Eoss was a true and active friend to this country during our late civil war. He deeply sympathized with the efforts made to free the land from the blight of human slavery ; and his endeavours to create in Canada a kindly feeling toward us, elicited from President Lincoln, John G. Whittier, Wendell Phillips, Secretary Seward, Horace Greeley, Gerrit Smith, and Charles Sumner, letters of the warmest thanks. Sentiments specially contributed to the Second Edition of the " Recollections and Experi- ences of an Abolitionist." » <^^^<^^^^^^»^»^^^^>^^^*^»^^^^>^»w [By Wm. Lloyd Garrison, the Pioneer of tlie Anti-alavery movement in America.] " Enslave but a single human being, and the liberties of mankind are left to the mercy of tyrants and usurpers. Let there be no compromise with oppression." WM. LLOYD GARRISON. Boston, September 28th, 187&. [By William Cdllen Bryant, the Poet and Histonan.] ** My native Land of Groves ! a newer page In the great record of the world is thme. Shall it be fairer ? Fear and friendly Hope And Envy watch the issue, while the lines By which thou shalt be judged are written down." WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. October 4th, 1875. ** Remember them in honde" . A - c) a o RECOLLECTIONS AND EXPERIENCES or AN ABOLITIONIST; From 1855 to 1865. BY Dr. ftj-EXANDEFi MljLTQ^ Ko??- *' Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."— Matt. vii. 12. SECOND EDITION. TORONTO : KOWSELL & HUTCHISON, 1876. BniMed Mooidlng to Act of Pudlamtnt of Ciuiad*, in the 'year of oar Lotd on* thounnd eight hundred and MTenty-flTe, by Auzakdu Maioir Bom, M.D., in the Oflloe of the Minister of Agrieultnie. VOBOKTO: BO^MLL AND H17T0HI8OK, PRIMTIU, Euro STRin. 8 <|f ji. I _^,im^^mfifmm^^fi^mmmfmmmmf jjPPBJWiiilni JjWiJ|Wlllf.ll>lilfipp»|pp|pp|||^^ I i)l)i,i> »> I I PREFACE. These Recollections and Experiences are given to the public in compliance with the repeated solicitations of many of my coloured friends, some of whom were personally interested in the experiences herein recorded. A. M. R. "Evergreen Grove." Toronto, September loth, 1876. i^\ II CONTENTS Part I. CHAP. I. — FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF HUMAN SLAVERY. Refugees in Canada— Uncle Tom's Cabin — Four mil< lions of slaves in bondage— Preparations for work — My Anti-Slavery principles — Ready — Into the Land of Bondage — The work begun^ Talk to forty-two slaves — ^Nine fugitives from bondage — At work in Nashville — On Guard— Seven candidates for freedom — Startling news — Twelve hundred dollars reward — A noble man — The poor negro spurns the reward — A female fugitive — ^Arrival in Chicago with a "chattel" — First interview with John Brown — His dis- appointments — "Old Brown's Farewell"— Char- acter of John Brown 1-29 CHAP. XL— NEWS FROM THE SOUTH. Keeping quiet — Off to New Orleans — Study of Natural History— Slave auctions — At work near Vickaburg — Sowing seed at Selma — In a danger- ous position — Into the jaws of death — Manacled and in prison— A desperate situation — Fidelity of a slave — Released — Two passengers by the Underground R. R, — Leave Columbus for other =5 ■■Mi* flW"l^ bath scene in the South 20-60 I CHAP. III.— MEET WITH AN OI.D FRIEND. Second interview with John Brown — He calls a Con« vention — Refugees in Canada — At work in Delaware — Depot of the Underground R. R. — John Brown ready to move — In Richmond — Cap- tain Brown attacks Harper's Ferry — Official Re* ports — Blpw felt throughout the Slave States — Defeat of Captain Brown — Dough-faced North* emers — Results of Captain Brown's attack — Bravery of Captain Brown — John Brown vic- torious — "His soul is marching on" — John Brown's martyrdom — Interview with Governor Wise of Virginia — He would like to hang Oid- dings and Gerrit Smith — Captain Brown's fare- well letter to the Author — Imprisomeut, Trial, and Execution of Captain Brown — John Brown'a will — Victor Hugo on John Brown — The John Brown song — John Brown's letters to his wife and family — Mrs. Brown's letters to her hus- band 60-120 CHAP. IV.— AT WORK IN KENTUCKY. A wife torn from her husband and sold — Liberation of the wife — From slavery to freedom^A Kentuckian in search of his "chattel" — Man and wife safe in Canada — Refugees in Canada — Number of Refugees in Canada — Cruelty and in* CONTENTS. xt justice of the Fugitive Slave liaw— Expression of gratitude— The Presidential Election of 1860 — lltipublican National (Lincoln) "Platform" — National Democratic (Douglas) "Platform"— National Democratic (Breckenridge " Plat- form" — Constitutional Union (Bell-Everett) " Platform— Electoral vote, Presidential Elec- tion, 1860— Declaration of Independence of South Carolina 120-142 Part II. CHAP. I. -RECOLLECTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF AN ABOLITIONIST DURING THE SLAVE- HOLDERS' REBELLION. The Slaveholders' Rebellion — Confidential Service in Canada — Interview with President Lincoln — The President an Abolitionist — Office-seekers — Confederates in Canada — Surgical Aid — Rebel postal service — Arrest of a Rebel Mail-carrier — Second Interview with President Lincoln — Rebel Despatches — Rebels in New Brunswick — Mr. Lincoln's Mission — Hospitalities of the White House — Mr. Lincoln's favourite Poem — Leave for New Brunswick — Occupy a Room with a Rebel — Rebels on the Canadian Frontier — Arrest of the Rebel Officer^ — Mission to Richmond—- Between the two Armies — Interview with Gen- eral Lee — Interviews with Jeflferson Davis, and Secretary Benjamin— Return to Washington — Persecution of Joshua R. Giddings — His Arrest — Death of Mr. Giddings — Step toward Emancipa- tion — The Emancipation Proclamation — Repub- lican " Platform "—President Lincoln's second Inaugural Address 142-190 III! I i|i|iu.fpf!iw ■ * V it ii m^t^rn vm r v.. m m ■) III . 1 .1 -^J lll , ! J I IP l^lw iu. j i i ., ^ J . I JW II W I UJU III I I i l l ll mm i . ml !3 Xll conteKts. CHAP. II.— EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. Letters from Horace Greeley, "William H. Seward, Joshua R. OiiUUngs. Wendell Phillips, Gerrit Smith, Charles Sumner, John G. Whittier, ' George B. Lincoln, William Lloyd Garrison, William CuUen Bryant, General Garibaldi, Victor Hugo — Ratification of the Constitutional Amendment and Proclamation of Freedom — Laus Deo 190-203 90-203 sssssamBBm ■'' ^ ■""^^■'^•" vW ii^ a i W Hi i i iMi iii M ii aa i h t i«: ^y^^fi^f^-^'t^^^'^ ^ |;^ft(fl^'^'|K 1 I m I^B /.^' ■"^iii"'"""""iaaBM .#" „*-^- ^^^0^' ^jpa»f«i ,„««»»' 1885. RECOLLECTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF AN ABOLITIONIST. CHAPTER I. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF HUMAN SLAVERY. |Y first impressions of the cruelty and injustice of human slavery were received from my friend General Garibaldi, whose personal acquaintance I made in the year 1849, while he was a resident of the United States. I was at that period quite a young man, but the impressions made upon my mind by his vivid pictures of the outrageous injustice of human slavery, had a deep and lasting influence, which was increased in after years by reading the pub- lished speeches and writings of Wilberforce, Brougham, and other English abolitionists, and 1 'W'. 't. 1 <• -■ • n 1 t J \ ■ ■ 2 Recollections and Experiences by listening to the eloquent appeals for the free- dom of the enslaved, made by William Lloyd Garrison, Theodore Parker, and Gerrit Smith. The impulses gained from the above sources ex- cited my sympathies, and impelled me to seek for practical information as to the workings of the institution of slavery in the American Republic. I had no difficulty in obtaining the desired knowledge, for in Canada were, hun- dreds of escaped slaves, living witnesses to the horrid barbarity of that wicked institution. From them I heard heart-rending stories of the cruelties practised upon the poor op- pressed coloured people of the Slave States. In proof of their statements I was shown the indelible marks of the lash and branding-iron upon their bodies. REFUGEES IN CANADA. These refugees were, as a general rule, superior specimens of their race, and possessed qualities which fitted them for the duties of citizenship. Many of those I conversed with were quite intelligent, having held positions as coachmen, house servants, and body ser. ^nts to their mas- ters. I obtained from them the information that there existed in the Northern States relief organizations, formed for the purpose of extend- ing aid to fugitives from bondage. I also jg^ath- Of an Abolitionist. 3 ered from the same sources much information relative ':o the various secret routes leading* from the Slave States to Canada, as well as the names and addresses of many good friends of freedom in the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, who cheerfully gave shelter and aid to the escaped slaves whose objective point was Canada — the Land of Liberty for the slaves of the American Republic. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. While I was engaged in making inquiries among the colpured people of Canada, Mrs, Stowe'fi work, " Uncle Tom's Cabin," was pub- lished, and excited the sympathies of every humane person who read it, in behalf of the oppressed. To me it was a command. A deep and settled conviction impressed me that it was my duty to help the oppressed to freedom — to " remember them in bonds, as bound with them." My resolution was taken to devote all my ener- gies to "let the oppressed go free." I knew that the adherence to this resolution would not bring me popularity or the friendship of the rich or influential, but most certainly, persecution^ scorn, and obloquy, and perhaps an ignominious death. I felt, however, it was safer to do what I considered right, than to be popular, and live a life of cowardly ease, while the dearest rights m^immm I I 1 4 RtcoUeetiom and Experiences of millions of my fellow creatures were out- raged by human laws, enacted by cruel and despotic men. FOUR MILLIONS OF SLAVES IN BONDAGE. The number of slaves in the Southern States at this period exceeded four mt/lions, distributed as follows : Alabama, 445,000 ; Mississippi, 486,- 431 ; Louisiana, 341,726; Texas, 182,566; Vir- ginia, 490,465 ; Missouri, 114,921 ; Arkansas, 111,115 ; South Carolina, 402,406 ; North Caro- lina, 331,059; Tennessee, 275,719; Kentucky, 225,483; Georgia, 462,198; Florida, 61,745; Delaware, 1,798; Maryland, 87,189, making a total of more than four millions of human creatures held in cruel bondage, deprived of every right, even the God-given right to own themselves or their helpless offspring. PREPARATION FOR THE WORK. In November, 1856, I left Canada to prepare for the work which had absorbed my thoughts for years. Gerrit Smith, a prominent abolitionist of Northern New York, with whom I had been in correspondence, had invited me to visit his home, and confer with him in respect to the best way of accomplishing the most good for the cause we both had at heart. From this Of an Abolitionist ' 5 noble philanthropist and Christian gentleman I obtained much valuable and interesting infor- mation as to the workings of the different organizations having for their object the libera- tion from bondage of the slaves of the South. He accompanied me to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Longwood, the home of that noble woman Hannah Cox, whose house was always open to the poor slaves flying from their pursuers, and whose heart warmly sympathised with every means for the liberation of the oppressed. During these visits I became ac- quainted with many liberty-loving men and women, whose time, talents, and means, were devoted to the cause of freedom. The contact with such enthusiastic minds, imbued with an undying hatred and detestation of that foul blot on the escutcheon of their country, served to strengthen my resolution, and fortify me for the labour before me. I was initiated into a know- ledge of the relief societies, and the methods adopted to circulate information among the slaves of the South ; the routes to be takefn by the slaves, after reaching the so-called Free States, and the relief posts, where shelter and aid for transportation could be obtained. The poor fugitive who had run the gauntlet of slave hunters and blood-hounds was not safe. d Recollections and Experiences even after he had crossed the boundary line between the Slave and Free States, for the slave-drivers of the South and their allies, the democrats of the North, held control of the United States Government at that time; and under the provisions of the iniquitous " Fugitive Slave Law," the North was compelled to act as a police detective for the capture and return to slavery of the fugitives from the Slave States. My excellent friend also accompanied me to Ohio and Indiana, where I made the personal acquaintance of friends in those States who, at risk of life and property, gave shelter to the fugitives, and assisted them to reach Canada. r While there existed among all true aboli- tionists a united, sincere, and active desire to aid the oppressed people of the Slave States, there was much diversity of opinion as to the means to be adopted for their liberation from bondage. Garrison, Whittier, Lucretia Mott, and all the members of the Society of Friends, were op- posed to violent measures — such as would result in bloodshed. Their efforts were con- fined to the public discussion of the wrongs of the slave, and the iniquity and injustice of human slavery. Hi. Of an Abolitionist, f While on the other hand, Gerrit Smith, Theo- dore Parker, John A. Andrew, Joshua R. Gid- dings, Lewis Tappan, and many others, equally sincere and noble, men and women, actively or passively aided and abetted every effort to liberate the poor slaves from their cruel bond- age. It is almost needless for me to say, that, while I loved and sympathized with every man and woman who desired the freedom of the slave, that my views accorded with those who believed human slavery to be such a mon- strous wrong and injustice, that any measure, no matter how violent, was justifiable in so holy a cause as the liberation from slavery of the poor oppressed people of the Slave States. MY ANTI-SLAVERY PRINCIPLES. The principles that animated, impelled, and controlled my actions as an abolitionist, may briefly be summed up as follows: — 1. That every innocent human bein^ has an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 2. That no government, nation, or individual, has any right to deprive an innocent human being of his inalienable rights. 3. That a man held against his will as a slave has a neUural right to kill every one who seeht to prevent hia enjoyment qf liberty, 4. That it is the natural right of the slave to develop this right in a practical manner, and actually kill all those who seek to prevent his enjoyment of liberty. $ Recollections and Experiences 5. That the freeman has a nalv,ra% right to help the slavea recover their literty, and in that enterprise to do for them all which they have a right to do for themselves. 6. That it ia tJte naturalduty of a freeman to help the slaves to the enjoyment of this liberty, and, as a means to that end, to aid them in killing all snoh as opi)ose their natural freedom. 7. That the performance of this duty is to be controlled only by the freeman's power and opportunity to help the slaves. READY. In Philadelphia I made the necessary prepara- tions for my work in the Southern States. My good friends, Gerrit Smith, Theodore Parker, and Lewis Tappan, were my faithful and principal supporters in this, my first effort to help the poor slaves to freedom. In undertaking this mission I did not disguise from myself the dangers I would most certainly have to encounter, and the certainty that a speedy, and perhaps cruel, death would be my lot, in case my plans and purposes were dis- covered. And not only would my own life be exposed, but the lives of those I sought to help. My anti-slavery friends in Boston and Phila- delphia warned me of the dangers that were in my path ; and some of them urged me to seek other and less dangerous channels wherein to aid the oppressed. I felt convinced, however, that the only effectual way to help the slaves Of an Abolitionist 9 was, to aid them to escape from bondage. To accomplish that, it was necessary to go to them, advise them, and give them practical assistance. For, with but few exceptions, the slaves were in absolute ignorance of every thing beyond the boundary of their plantation or town. The cir- culation of information among the oppressed would also tend to excite a spirit of inquiry and create a feeling of independence which, ultimately, might lead to insurrection, and the destruction of the institution of slavery in the United States. Before leaving Philadelphia, it was mutually arranged between my friends and myself in re- spect to confidential correspondence, that the term "hardware," was to mean males; and. "dry-goods," females. I was to notify my friends in Philadelphia (if possible) whenever a package of " hardware " or of "dry-goods" was started for freedom ; and they in turn warned the friends in Ohio and Pennsylvania to be on the look-out for runaways. INTO THE LAND OF BONDAGE. Early in the year 1857, I crossed the Potomac en route for Richmond. The only weapon I carried was a revolver, which had been presented to me by a noble Bostonian, who, in after years. mmmm 10 Recollections and Experietices honoured the office of Governor of Massachu- setts. On my arrival in Richmond, I went to the house of a gentleman to whom I had been directed, and who was known at the North to to be a friend of freedom. I spent a few weeks in quietly determining upon the best plans to adopt. THE WORK BEGUN. Having tinally decided upon my course, I invited a number of the most intelligent, active, and reliable slaves, to meet me at the house of a coloured preacher, on a Sunday evening. TALK TO FORTY-TWO SLAVES. On the night appointed for this meeting, fofty-two slaves came t > hear what prospect there was for their escape from bondage. I shook each by the hand, asked their name, age, and whether married or single. I had never before seen, at one time, so many coloured men together ; and I was struck with their individu- ality and general kindness and consideration for each other. I explained to them my object and purpose in visiting the Slave States, the vari- ous routes from Virginia to Ohio and Pennsylva- nia, and the names of friends in border towns who would help them on to Canada. I requested them to circulate this information discreetly Of an A bolitianist. II among all upon whom they could rely. Thus, each of my hearers went forth an agent in the good work. I then told them that if any of their number desired to make the attempt to gain their freedom, in the face of all the obstacles and dangers in their path, that I would supply them with weapons to defend themselves, and as much food as they could conveniently carry. I requested as many as were ready to accept my offer, to come to the same house on the following Sunday evening, prepared to take the " underground railroad " to Canada. NINE FUGITIVES FROM BONDAGE. On the evening appointed nine stout, intelli- gent young men had declared their determination to gain their freedom, or die in the attempt. To each I gave a few dollars in money, a pocket compass, knife, pistol, and as much cold meat and bread as each could carry with ease. I again carefully explained to them the route, and the names of friends along the border upon whom they could rely for shelter and assistance. I never met more apt students than these poor fellows ; and their " Yes, massa, I know it Jiow," was assurance that they did. They were to travel only by night, resting in some secure spot during the day. Their route was to be =52? 12 Recollections and Experiences \ ' through Pennsylvania to Erie, on Lake Erie, and from thence to Canada. I bid them good- bye, with an anxious heart, for well I knew the dangers they would have to encounter. I learned, many months after, that they all had arrived safely in Canada. (In 1863, I enlisted three of these brave fellows in a coloured regi- ment in Philadelphia, for service in the war that gave freedom to their race). -Two of my Rich- mond pupils were married men, and left behind them wives and children. The wife of one made her escape, and reached Canada within six months after her husband gained his liberty. (I visited their- happy little home, in Chatham, Canada, in after years, and was delighted to find them prosperous and contented). AT WORK IN NASHVILLE. The day following the departure of my little band of fugitives from Richmond, I left for Nashville, in the State of Tennessee, which I decided should be my next field of labour. On arriving in Nashville, I went direct to the residence of a Quaker lady, well known for her humane and charitable disposition toward the coloured people. When I informed her of my success in Richmond, and that I intended to pursue the same course in Nashville, she expressed great anxiety for my safety. But Of an Abolitionist, 13 finding that I was determined to make the attempt, she sent for an old free negro, and advised me to trust him implicitly. This good man was nearly eighty years of age, and had the confidence of all the coloured people for miles around Nashville. He lived a short distance outside the city limits. At his house he preached to such of the slaves as. were disposed, and could attend, every Sunday even- ing. I requested him to invite as many reliable and intelligent slaves as he could, to meet me at his house on the next Sunday evening. On the evening appointed, thirteen fine able- bodied men assembled to see and hear an abolitionist Never have I met more intelligent looking coloured men than those that composed my little audience on that occasion ; their ages ranged from eighteen to thirty. Some were very black, while others were mulattoes, and two of them had straight hair, and were very light-coloured. ON GUARD. My host volunteered to stand guard outside the house^ to prevent interruption and to inter- cept any unfriendly or evil-minded callers. I talked to my hearers earnestly and practically for two hours, explaining the condition and u Recollections and Experiences -k 11 prospects of the coloured people in Canada, and the obstacles and dangers they would have to encounter, on the way to that land of refuge. No lecturer ever had a more intensely earnest audience than I had that evening. I gathered the brave fellows around m6, so that I could look each in the face, and give emphasis to my instructions. In conclusion, I told them that I should remain in Nashville until' after the fol- lowing Sunday evening, when as many as felt disposed to make the attempt to gain their freedom would find me at the same house at 9 p.m. I requested those who decided to leave on that night to inform their old friend before the next Friday, that I might make some provi- sion for their long and perilous journey. Early in the week, I received word from five ; and by Friday evening two more had decided to make the attempt to 6btain the precious boon of liberty. At 9 o'clock on the Sunday evening appointed, I was promptly at the house of my friend. He again stood guard. It was nearly 10 o'clock before I heard the signal agreed upon — "scratch- ing upon the door." I unlocked the door, when in stepped four men, followed soon after by three others. They were all young men, and unmar- Of an Abolitionist. 15 ried. I asked each if he had fully determined to make the attempt ; and, receiving an affirmative reply, I carefully explained to them the routes to be taken, the dangers they might expect to encounter, and the friends upon whom they could call for aid. To each I gave a pistol, a knife, a pair of shoes, a compass, and to their leader twenty dollars in money. I also supplied them with as much food as they could conveniently carry. SEVEN CANDIDATES FOR FREEDOM. At midnight I bid them good-bye ; and these: brave-hearted fellows, with tears in their eyes,, and hearts swelling with hope, started for the land of freedom. I advised them to travel by night only, to keep together, and not use their pistols, except to prevent their capture. Next morning I called upon my Quaker friend^ and informed her of the result of my labours in Nashville. She expressed her delight and satis- faction ; but feared for my safety, if I remained in the city after the escape of the slaves became known. That evening I mailed letters to friends in Evansville, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, to keep a sharp lookout for " packages of hardware." i6 Recollections and Experiettces STARTLING NEWS. As I was leaving the Post Office a man lianded me a small printed bill, which an- nounced the escape of thirteen slaves from Richmond ; but nine only were described, to- gether with the names of their owners. A re- ward of $1,000 was offered for their capture and X'^'-'-n to Richmond. I now thought it was \'-;-'i f--*- me to leave for other fields of labour. Karly next day I bade farewell to my kind Quaker *Viend, and started for Memphis. On my arrival ticr<* I sought the house of an anti- slavery man to whom I had been directed. He was absent from home, but his good wife re- ceived me most kindly, and urged me to make her house my home during my stay in the city. I felt, however, that I had no right to expose the family to trouble and suspicion, in case I got into difficulty. I consequently went to a hotel, and being tired and weary, laid down upon a couch to rest, and must have fallen asleep, for I was aroused by the shouting of a newsboy under the window. The burthen of his cry was, the escape of several slaves from Nashville in one night. I raised the window, and told the boy to bring a paper to my room. It contained the following item of interest to me : — ViOK Of an Abolitionist. 17 TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. " Great excitement in Nashville. — Escape of seven first-class slave-men, by the aid of an abolitionist who had been seen in the city for several days previous." Three hundred dollars reward was offered for the capture and return of each of the slaves, and twelve hundred dollars for the apprehension of the " accursed " aboli- tionist ; then followed a description of the slaves^ and a very good description of myself, consider- ing that I kept very close during my stay in Nashville. At a glance I saw the danger of my position, and determined to leave the hotel at once, which I did. Returning to the house I had first visited, I made inquiry for the residence of a coloured man, upon whom my coloured friend in Nashville told me I could rely. Having re- ceived the proper direction, I went to his humble dwelling, and was cordially welcomed, on men- tioning the name of his old friend at Nashville, A NOBLE MAN. He was a fine looking man, with honest eyes^ open countenance, and of more than ordinary intelligence, for one of his race. I handed him the paper, and pointed to the reward for my ap- prehension. When he read it, he grasped my hand and said, " Massa, I'd die for you ; what 2 i8 Recollections and Experimces shall we do ?" The paper which contained the exciting news, also contained the announcement that a steamer would leave for St. Louis that night at nine o'clock. It was now three. Six long hours to remain in the very jaws of death ! I told him I had determined to leave, if possible, on that steamer, and asked permission to remain in his house until the arrival of the boat. The noble fellow placed his house, and all he pos- sessed at my command. A POOR NEGRO SPURNS THE REWARD. This poor despised negro held in his hand a paper oflfering a reward of $1,200 for my cap- ture. He was a labouring man, earning his bread by the sweat of his brow ; and yet I felt perfectly safe, and implicitly entrusted this poor man with my life. In fact, I felt safer in his house than I should have felt in the house of a certain Vice-President of the United States, who, in more recent times, sold himself for a similar amount. This poor oppressed negro, had every- thing to gain by surrendering me into the hands of the slave-masters, and yet he spurned the reward, and was faithful to the trust I had re- posed in him. On many occasions I have placed my life in the hands of coloured men without the slightest hesitation or fear of betrayal. Of an Abolitionist. 19 A FEMALE FUGITIVE. Night was now approaching, and my friend suggested the propriety of changing my dress. While engaged making these alterations I over- heard an animated conversation, in an adjoin- ing room, between my host and a female. The woman earnestly implored him to ask me to take her to Canada, where her husband then was. The poor man told her my life was al- ready in great danger, and if she was seen with me, it would render my escape more difficult ; but still she continued to beg. When I had com- pleted my change of appearance, he came into the room, and told me that a coloured woman, who had lately fled from her master on account of his cruelty to her, was in the house, and wished to speak to me. She was a light mulatto, of bright, intelligent appearance. She told me of the escape of her husband to Canada about two years previously, and of her master's cruelty in beating her, because she refused to marry a negro whom he had selected for her. She showed me her back, which was still raw and seamed with gashes, where the lash of her cruel master's whip had ploughed up her flesh. She earnestly beseech- ed me to take her to Canada. I determined to make the attempt ; and told my friend to dress her in male attire, that she might accompany ir 20 Recollections and Experiences me in the capacity of valet. The poor creature gladly accepted the offer, and was soon ready for the journey. I named her " Sam," and my- self " Mr. Smith, of Kentucky." At half-past eight p. m., we left the house of my faithful friend, for the boat ; " Sam" walking behind me, carrying my valise. Through some cause or other the boat Avas detained until near eleven o'clock. Oh, what hours of misery ! Every minute filled with apprehensions of disaster, not only to myself, but to the poor fugitive depend- ing upon me ! No one, not similarly placed, can imagine the anxiety and dread that filled my mind during this long delay. The moments passed so slowly, that they " seemed hours. " Sam" stood near me, looking as anxious as I felt. At length we got aboard the boat. I secured tickets for myself and servant for St. Louis, and when the boat left the levee, I breathed freer than I had done for several hours. I arrived in St. Louis without the occurrence of any incident of importance, and sent telegrams to friends at different points along the Ohio river, warning them to be on the lookout for fugitives from Tennessee. I remained in St. Louis but a few hours, and left for Chicago, accompanied by my happy valet, whose frequent question, " Massa, is we near Canada yet T kept me continually on the alert to prevent her ex- posing herself to arrest. Of an Abolitionist. 21 ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO WITH A CHATTEL. When we reached Chicago I took my servant to the house of an abolitionist, where she was properly cared for. It was deemed prudent that she should continue to wear male attire until she reached Canada, for it occasionally happened that fugitives were caught in Detroit, and taken back to bondage, after having come in sight of the land of promise. Their proximity to a safe refuge from their taskmasters, and from the operations of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, rendered them careless in their manner, and so happy in appearance, that they were frequently arrested on suspicion by the minions of the United States Government, ever on the watch to obey the behests of the slave power. After a few hours' rest in Chicago, I left with my charge for Detroit, where I arrived in due time on the following day ; and, taking a hack, drove to a friend's house in the suburbs of the city. Here I made arrangements to be rowed across the river to Windsor, Canada, as soon as darkness would render our passage safe. I also sent tele- grams to friends in London, Chatham, and Am- herstburg, to ascertain the whereabouts of her husband, and finally heard that he was living in London. w 22 Recollections and Experiences (Pn3 A/y^^ J^ir-cHirny^ Of an Abolitionist. n SAFE ON THE SOIL OF CANADA. At night the poor fugitive and myself were taken silently over the river that separated the land of freedom from the land of slavery. Not a word was spoken until we reached the soil of Canada. I then told her that she was a free woman, that no one could now deprive her of her right to " life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- piness." She uttered a sincere prayer to the Almighty to protect and bless me for bringing her to Canada. I conveyed her to the house of a friend, and on the following day sent her to London, where she and her husband were re- united, after a separation of two years. (In 1863 I dined with them at their pretty little home, which they had paid for with the proceeds of their industry and thrift.) Returning to Detroit I took the cars to Cleve- land. There I received a telegram from Boston stating that Capt. John Brown, of Kansas, would meet me in Cleveland in a day or two, and that he desired to confer with me on a subject con- nected with the Anti-slavery cause. FIRST INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BROWN. On the evening of my third day in Cleveland, while seated in my room at the hotel, a gentle 34 Recollections and Experiences tap at my door aroused me. I said, " Come in." The door opened, and a plain, farmer-like look- ing man — a stranger, with a remarkable coun- tenance, strongly indicative of intelligence, cool- ness, tenacity of purpose, and honesty, entered the room. He appeared about five feet ten inches in height, of slender, but wiry and tough frame ; his glance keen, steady, and honest ; his step lithe, and firm. He was, although simply and plainly dressed, a man of remarkable appearance. He introduced himself as " John Brown, of Kansas ;" and handed me several letters from friends in Boston. While I was engaged reading the let- ters, and occasionally asking a question in refer- ence to their contents, lie was closely examining a revolver of mine which he had found on my bureau. When I had finished he remarked, "" How strange that you should have a pistol exactly like one I have in my pocket," which he produced. They were, indeed, fellows in every respect, and presented to us by the same generous Bostonian. Captain Brown remained with me nearly all night, eagerly listening to a narrative of my trip through Virginia and Tennessee, and in relating incidents connected with his labours in Kansas. His manner and conversation had a magnetic influence which rendered. him very Of an Abolitionist. 25 »» attractive, and stamped him as a man of more than ordinary coolness, tenacity of purpose, and devotion to what he considered right. He was, in my estimation, a Christian in the full sense of that word. No idle, profane, or immodest word fell from his lips. He was deeply in earnest in the work, in which he believed himself a special instrument in the hands of God. During our long and interesting interview, which lasted from 8 p.m. until 3 in the morning, he related many incidents of his life bearing upon the subject of slavery. He said he had for many years been studying the guerilla system of warfare adopted in the mountainous portions of Europe ; and by that system he could, with a small body of picked men, inaugurate and maintain a negro insurrection in the mountains of Virginia, which would cause so much annoyance to the United States Government, and create such a feeling of dread and insecurity in the minds of slave- holders, that they would ultimately be glad to " let the oppressed go free." He maintained that the only \vay to successfully attack the institution of slavery was, by conveying to the slaves such information as would aid them in making their escape to Canada, and by exciting in their minds a desire for knowledge, which would enable them to combine in a struggle for freedom. He had little faith in the efficacy 26 Recollections and Experiences of moral suasion with slaveholders. He very properly placed them, in the same category, with thieves and murderers. HIS DISAPPOINTMENTS. John Brown was now returning to the West, from the Eastern States, where he had been for several weeks trying to collect means to carry on the war in Kansas. He had met with disappoint- ment, and felt it most keenly. He had sacrificed his own peace and comfort, and the peace and comfort of his family, in obedience to his sincere convictions of duty toward the oppressed people of the South, while those who had the means to help him make war upon the oppressor, were lukewarm or declined to aid him in his warfare. During our conversation, he handed me a piece of paper, on which was written, in his own hand- writing, the following, which he said he indited, with the object of having it published before leaving Boston, but had been pursuaded not to do so : — OLD BROWN S FAREWELL To the Plymouth Jfocktt, Bunker Jtiil Monvmenti*, Charter OaJiti, and Uncle TonCn Cabhis. He has left for Kansas. Has been trying since he came out of the Territory to secure an outfit, or in other words, the vieans of arming atid thorouQhhj equipping his regular Of an Abolitionist. 27 minute men, who are mixed up vnth the people of Kumos, and he leave* the States with a notUNo of deepest sadness t that after having exhausted his otcn aniall meane, and with his family and hi» brave men ; suffered hunger, cold, nakedness, and some of them sickness, wounds, imprisonment in Irons, with extreme cruel treatment, and others death: that after lying on the ground for months in the most sickly, unwhole- some, and uncomfortable places ; some of the tim/e with sick and wounded destitute of any shelter ; and hunted like wolves ; sustained in part by Indians : that after all this ; in order to sustain a cause which every citizen of this ** glorious Republic " is under equal moral obligations to do : and /or the neglect of which, he will he held accountable to Ood : a cause in which every man, woman, and child ; of the entire human family has a DEEP and awful interest ; that when no wages are asked ; or expected ; he cannot secure, amidst all the wealth, luxury, and extravagance of this " Heaven-exalted " people; even the necessary supplies of the common soldier. "How are the mighty fallen?"' Boston, April, A.D. 1857. Captain Brown left me at an early hour in the morning, to take the cars for Kansas. Before parting, I urged him to accept a portion of my funds, to aid him in purchasing material for his Kansas work. This he did reluctantly, expres- sing his fears that I was depriving myself of the means to continue my labours. CHARACTER OF JOHN BROWN. I have been in the presence of many men whom the world called great and distingruished. izS Recollections and Experiences but never before or since have I met a greater or more remarkable man than Captain John Brown. There was manifest, in all he said and did, an absorbing intensity of purpose, controlled by lofty moral principles. He was a devout Chris- tian, and sincerely believed himself a chosen instrument in the hands of God to "let the oppressed go free." The following items I gathered from his con-^ versation during our interesting interview : John Brown was born in Torrington, Connecticut, on the 9th day of May, 1800. He was by occupa- tion a farmer, and the fifth in descent from Peter Brown, one of the godly exiles -^who, on the 22nd December, 1620, knelt at Plymouth Rock, and returned thanks to the Almighty for His goodness in preserving them from the dangers of the deep during their passage from England in the Mayflower. It was in 1839 that John Brown first conceived the idea of becoming a liberator of the Southern slaves. He had seen every right of the coloured people in the South ruthlessly trodden under the feet of the tyrannical Slave Power. He saw slavery blighting and blasting the manhood of the nation ; and he listened to " the voice of the poor that cried." He heard Washington loudly Of an Abolitionist 29. praised, but he saw no helper of the bondman. He saw the people building the sepulchres of the fathers of '76, but lynching and murdering the prophets that were sent unto them. He believed that, •'Who would be free, themselves mUst strike the blow." But the slaves, scattered ; closely watched ; pre- vented from assembling to conspire ; without arms ; apparently overpowered ; at the mercy of every traitor; knowing the white man only as their foe ; seeing, everywhere and always, that the negroes, in order to arise and strike a blow for liberty, needed a positive sign that they had friends among the dominant race, who sympa- thized with them, believed in their right to freedom, and were ready to aid them in their attempt to obtain it. John Brown determined to let then; know that they had friends, and prepared himself to lead them to liberty. CHAPTER II. NEWS FROM THE SOUTH. HE excitement in Richmond and Nash- ville, consequent upon the escape of so many valuable slaves, extended to all the surrounding country. In the reading- room of the hotel at Cleveland, Ohio, I picked up a Richmond paper, which contained a lengthy account of the escape of slaves from Richmond, Nashville, and other parts of the South. The writer stated that a general impression prevailed in that community, that a regularly organized band of abolitionists existed in the South, which supplied the negroes with information and means of escape to Canada. The authorities were urged to offer a large reward for the apprehension of the ** cursed negro thieves " that infested the South ; and that an example should be made of such as might be caught, and so for ever deter others from interference with their constitutional rights. Of an Abolitionist KEEPING QUIET. 31 I concluded it would be better for the cause, I tried to serve, that no further attempt should be made until the present excitement in the South quieted down. From Cleveland I went to Philadelphia. During my stay in that city, I was busily occupied in collecting statistics of the slave populations of particular localities in the Cotton States, and in consulting with various friends as to the best methods of circulating information among the slaves in that region. Any one acquainted with the institution of slavery, as it existed in the Gulf States, will fully appreciate the difficulties that environed such an enterprise as the one I now contem- plated — that of conveying direct to the slaves a knowledge of the best routes, the distances to be traversed, difficulties to be overcome, and the fact that they had friends in the Border States to whom they could apply for aid, and on whom they could implicitly rely for assistance to forward them to Canada. Of all the dangers to myself that loomed up before my mind, the last and the least was, the fear of betrayal by the slaves. Once they became satisfied of your friendship and your desire to help them to escape from bondage, they would willingly suffer torture or death to protect you. Such, at least, has 32 Recollections and Experiences been my experience with the negroes of the Slave States. OFF TO NEW ORLEANS. My preparations being now completed, I engaged passage by steamer, to New Orleans, on a mission, the subject and details of which had occupied my mind exclusively for many weeks. I was accompanied to the steamer by two noble-hearted and steadfast friends of free- dom. One of these friends, Gerrit Smith, had been my principal supporter, and active and unflinching friend from the commencement of my career as an abolitionist. The other, Lewis Tappan, a prominent philanthropist, long identi- fied with the abolitionists of the North. All my correspondence, while in the Slave States, was to be sent to them. Whenever a slave succeeded in making his or her escape I was to send them the information, and they in turn notified our friends north of the Ohio river to be on the lookout for "packages of hardware" (men) or "dry-goods" (females), and these Ohio friends concealed the fugitives for a time, if necessary, until they could be safely sent to Canada. In many parts of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, we had fast friends, in the majority of cases, belonging to the Society of Friends, whose doors were always open to the poor Of an Aocitttontst !(j fugitive from bondage, and whose hearts were open to the fugitive's appeal for help. f" '-■ STUDY OF NATURAL HI^^ORY. On my arrival in New Orleans, I began my preparations for work in the interior of the country. From childhood I had been passion- ately fond of the study of Natural History, especjally of Ornithology. I consequently de- cided to follow the pursuit Of a naturalist, as a- guise to my actual object. SLAVE AUCTIONS. During my stay in New Orleans I occasion- ally attended the slave auctions. The scenes I witnessed there will never be effaced from my memory. The cries and heart-rending agonies- of the poor creatures as they were sold and separated from parents, children, husbands, or wives, will never cease to ring in my ears. Babes were torn from the arms of their mothers- and sold, while parents were Separated and sent to distant parts.of the country. Tired and over- worked women were cruelly beaten, because they refused the outrageous demands of their wicked overseers. The horrid traffic in human beings, many of them much whiter and more- intelligent than the cruel men who bought and 3 34 Recollections andxExperiences sold them, was, without exception, the most monstrous outrage upon the rights of human beings that could possibly be imagined. " A Christian ! going, gone ! Who bids for God's own image ?— f or hie grace Which that poor Tictim of the nuurket place Hath in her suffering won ? My God ! can snch things be ? Haet Thou not said that whatsoe'er is dime Unto thy weakest and thy humblest one. Is even done to Thee ? ^n that sad victim, then, CSiild of thy pitying love, I see Thee stand — Once more the jest>word of a mocking band. Bound, sold, and scourged again ! A Christian up for sale ! Wet with her blood your whips — o'ertask her frame, M&ke her life loathsome with your wrong and shame, Her patience shall not fail ! A heathen band might deal , Back on your head the gathered wrong of years. But her low, broken p^yer and nightly tears. Ye neither heed nor f eeL Con well thy lesson o'er. Thou prudent teacher — ^tell the toiling slave IXo dangerous tale of Him who came to save The outcast and the poor. But wisely shut the ray Of God's free Gospel from her simple heart. And to her dittkened mind alone impart One stem command — Obiy ! ■v :- Of an Abolitionist, 35 So ihAlt ihou deftly nu«e ]/: The market prioe of hnuuui flwh; and while On thee, their pampered gneet, the planten imile, Thy ohnrbh shall fHraiie. Orave, reverend men ahall tell From Northern pnlpits how the Work waa Ueat* While in that vile South Sodom, fint and beat, Thy pow disoiplea aell. * Oh, shame t the Moslem thrall. Who, with his master, to the Prophet kneeb. While taming to the saered Kebla feels His fetters break and fall. Cheers for the turbaned Bey Of robber-peopled Tunis ! he hath torn The dark slave-dungeons open, and hath borne Their inmates into day : But our poor slave in vain Turns to the Christian shrine his aching eyes — Its rites will only swell his market price. And rivet on his chain. God of all right ! how long ^' Shall priestly robbers at thy altar stand. Lifting in prayer to Thee, the bloody hand And haughty brow of wrong ? Oh, from the fields of cane. From the low rice-swamp, from the traderVi cell— From the black slave-ship's foul and loathsome hell. And coffle's weaxy chain, — Hoarse, horrible, and strong. Rises to Heaven that agonizing cry, Filling the arches of the hollow sky. How LOKO, OOD^ HOW LOKO ? Whittiieb, the QwiJter Poet, 96 Recollections and Experiences My experience in New Orleans served to intensify my abhorrence and hatred of that vile and unchristian institution of slavery, and to nerve me for the work I was engaged in. On several occasiotis while in the Slave States I attended divine worship, and invariably re- marked that whenever the subject of slavery was mentioned, it was referred to as a " wise and beneficent institution" ; and one clergyman in particular declared that ''the institution of slavery was devised by God for the especial benefit of the coloured race." " Just Crod ! — and these are they Who minister at thine altai-, God of Right I Men who their hands with prayer and blessing lay On Israel's Ark of light t What ! preach and kidnap men ? Give thanks— and rob thy own afllicted poor ? Talk of thy glorious liberty, and then *' • Bolt hard the captive's door ? What ! servants of thy own Merciful Son, who came to se^ and save The homeless and the outcast, — ^fettering down The tasked and plundered slave ! Filate and Herod, friends ! Chief priests .and rulers, as of old, combine ! Just God and holy !, is that church, which lei Strength to the spoiler, thine ? Paid hypocrites, who turn . - Judgment aside, and rob the Holy Book Of those high words of truth which search and bum In warning and rebuke ; Of an Abolitionist Feed fat, ye locuite, feed ! And, in your tasselled pulpits, thank the Lord That, from the toiling bondman's utter need, Ye pile your own full board. How kmg^ O Lord I how long Shall snoh a priesthood barter truth away, And, in thy name, for robbery and wrong At thy own altars pray ? Is not thy hand stretched forth Visibly in the heavens, to awe and smite ? Shall not tiie living €h)d of aU the earth. And heaven above, do right ? Woe, then, to all who grind Their brethren of a common Father down I To all who plunder from the immortal mind Its bright and glorious crown ! Woe to the priesthood ! woe To those whose hire is with the price of blood-^ Perverting, darkening, changing as they go. The searohing truths of God ! Their glory and their might Shall perish ; and their names shall be Vile before all the people, in the light Of a world's liberty. 37 \x Oh ! speed the moment on When Wrong shall cease — and Liberty, and Love, And Truth, and Right, throughout the earth be known As in their home above." Whittier, iht Qmkar PoeU Finally my preparations were completed, and, supplied with a shot gun, and materials for pre- ■^ 3» Recollections and Experiettces serving bird-skins, I began my journey into the interior of the country. The route decided upon was from New Orleans to Vicksburg, and thence through the interior of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. I had never before visited that section of the United States, and my field of labour was consequently surrounded by difficulties not experienced during my visit to Virginia and Tennessee, from the fact that I had not a single friend in the Cotton States. AT WORK NEAR VICKSBURG^ Soon after my arrival at Vtcksburg I was busily engaged in collecting ornithological speci- mens. I made frequent visits to the surrounding plantations seizing every favourable opportunity to converse with the more intelligent of the slaves. Many of these negroes had heard of Canada from the negroes brojught from Virginia and the border Slave States ; but the impression they had was, that Canada, being so far away, it would be useless to try and reach it. On these excursions I was usually accompanied by one or two smart, intelligent slaves, to whom I felt I could trust the secret of my visit. In this way I succeeded In circulating a knowledge of Canada, and the i>6st means of reaching that country, to all the Of an Abolitionist 39 plantations for many miles around Vicksburg. I was often surprised at the rapidity with whidi information was conveyed to the slaves of dis- tant plantations. Thus, on every plantation I had missionaries who were secretly cohveying^ intelligence to the poor down-trodden slaves of that benighted region, that in Canada there were hundreds of negroes who had, through the aid of friends along the border, escaped from slavery, and were now free men and women. No one but a slave can fully appreciate the true mean- ing of the word freedom. I continued my labours in the vicinity of Vicksburg for several weeks and then went to Selma, Alabama. SOWING SEED AT SELMA. I made this place my base for extensive in- cursions to the surrounding country, pursuing a similar course to that I adopted at Vicksburg, My ornithological collection had by this time assumed respectable and interesting propoitions, and some of the planters became so much inter- ested in my ornithological pursuits, as to offer me every facility to roam over their plantations, of which I availed myself. I had my choice of assistants from among the slaves, and selected those possessing qualities suitable for my pur- pose. There was net a plantation within fifteen miles of Selma that I did not visit successfully. ■B ^ RecoUections attd Experiences, The seed . planted at Vicksburg and Selma feU upon rich soil, the products of which rapidly spread throughout the Gulf States^ as was plain- ly evinced at the time of the Harper's Ferry invasion, when the planters in the interior of the South were surprised to find that their slaves were well informed about Canada, and the purr poses and efforts of friends in the North to aid them to escape from bondage. ' IN A DANGEROUS POSITION. Having completed my labours at Selma, I selected Columbus, Mississippi, for my next field of labour. I had been at work in Colum- bus about two weeks when a difficulty occurred which, but for the faithfulness of a negro, would' have ended in my death at the hands of an infuriated mob. During one of my visits to a plantation near Columbus, I met with a negro slave of more than ordinary intelligence. His master was a man of coarse and brutal instincts, -who had burned the initials of his name into the flesh of several of his slaves, to render their capture more certain, in case they ran away from this merciless wretch. I saw several of the victims of his cruelty, whose backs would forever bear the marks of his branding iron and lash. He was a veritable " Legree." On one of -xxiy excursions over his plantation I was accom- Of an Abolitionist, 41 panied by the slave mentioned. During our rambles he gave me a history of his life and sufferings,^ and expressed an earnest desire td gain his freedom. I felt that he could be relied upon, and imparted to him the secret object of my visit to the South. He listened with absorbing earnestness whilst I explained to him the difficult ties and dangers he would have to encounter on so long and perilous a journey. He, however, declared his determination to make the attempt, saying, that death itself was preferable to his present existence. On the following day (Satur- day) I again visited the plantation, and selected this slave for my companion. He informed mfe he had decided to start for Canada, as soon as he could communicate with a brother who was a slave on a^ plantation a few miles distant. He wished to take this brother with him, if possible. I gave him instructions for his guidance after he should cross the Ohio river ; the names of friends at Evansville (Ind.), and Cleveland (Ohio), to whom he could apply for assistance. I also fur- nished him with a pistol, knife, and pocket com- pass, and directed him to travel by night only until he reached friends north of the Ohio river. INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH. On the following Monday evening, while seated at the supper table of the hotel at which wm 42 Recollections and Experiences I was stopping, I heard loud and excited talking in the adjoining room. In a few minutes the landlord came up to me with an excited look, and said, " Col. ' wishes to speak with you. You had better go out and meet him." I imme- diately rose, and went into the room from which the loud talking emanated. As I entered, the Colonel, in a loud and brutal tone, said, '* That's him, arrest him." Upon which a man stepped up and said, "You are my prisoner." I de- manded the reason why I was arrested. Where- upon the doughty Colonel strode toward me with his fist clenched, and charged me with being a d d abolitionist. He said he would have my heart's blood ; that I had enticed away his nigger " Joe ;" for the nigger had not been seen since he went out with me on the previous Saturday. The room was filled with an excited crowd of men, who glared upon me with fierce and fiendish looks. I tried to keep cool, but I confess I felt that my labours were ended. I knew the character of the Colonel^ and also knew that he possessed much influence with the worst class of Southerners of that section. MANACLED AND IN PRISON. In the meantime the constable had produced a pair of iron handcuffs, and fastened them Of an Abolitionist 45 I also the around my wrists. After the Colonel had exhausted his supply of curses and coarse abuse upon me, — for the purpose of exciting the crowd to hang me, — I quietly asked if they would allow me to say a few words, at the same time making a Masonic sign of distress, in hope that there might be a Mason in the crowd with sufficient courage to sustain my request. I had no sooner made "the sign of distress," than a voice near me said, " Yes, let's hear what he has to say." " He ought to be allowed to speak." I was encouraged, and very quietly said : "Gentle- men, I am a total stranger here, without friends. I am your prisoner in irons. The Colonel has charged me with violating your laws ! Will you act the part of cowards by allowing this man to incite you to commit a murder } or will you, like brave men, grant the only request I have to make, that is, a fair trial before your magistrates.^" Several persons at once spoke up in my favour^ among whom was the landlord and his brave little wife. I was then, much to the chagrin of the Colonel, led to the lock-up, and confined to a iilthy room. There I remained all through that dreary night, fearing to lie down on the straw in the comer, lest I should be bitten by the rats that kept running about the floor all night. At length 44 Recollections and Experietices morning came, and I was talcen, handcuffed, iveary, hungry, and impressed with foreboding^ {of what appeared my impending fate,) before a Justice. A DESPERATE SITUATION. . A crowd of people had gathered to see an abolitionist have the mockery of a trial. Col. ** Legree" was asked by the Justice to state his case, which he did in true slave-driving style, as if determined to force the case against me. In fact, my case seemed hopeless. I saw no way of escape from my desperate situation. I was surrounded on every side by men apparently thirsting for my blood,, and anxious to vindicate the outraged laws of the State of Mississippi ! At length the Colonel finished his statement, which, reduced to simple facts, was, that I had called at his residence on Saturday last, and requested permission to roam over his plantation to shoot birds ; that he had given me permission, and allowed his servant "Joe" to accompany me ; that "Joe" had not returned, nor could he be found; that he was sure I had aided him to escape; and demanded of the Justice that I should be punished as a " negro thief" deserved. His remarks were loudly applauded by the slave-hounds that surrounded him. The Justice I Of an Abolitionist, 4J turned to me, and, in a coarse, stem voice, said^ *♦ Have you anything to say ?" At this moment a voice outside the room shouted, " Here's Joe t here's Joe!" aiid a rush was made toward the door;. FIDELITY OF A SLAVE. "Joe" was usiitered into the court room, and fell on his knees before the Colonel, asking his forgiveness for leaving the i)lantation without permission. He said , he wanted to see his brother " powerful bad,'* and had gone to the plantation on which his brother was living, about eight miles distant, on Saturday night, expect^ ing to return by Sunday eyening; but, having sprained his ancle, he could not move until Mon- day evening, when he started for home, travel- ling nearly all night. As soon as he reached the Colonel's he was told of my arrest, and early that morning had come into Columbus to save me. The Justice ordered the constable' to re- lease me at once, and expressed his regret that I had been subjected to so much annoyance. RELEASED. The Colonel was completely chopfallen at the turn affairs had taken, while I was surrounded by several Masonic friends, who expressed their gratification at my release. I addressed the 4« RecoUections and Experumes Colonel, saying, that as he had put me to much inconvenience and trouble, I claimed a favour of him. He asked what it was. I begged him not to punish '' Joe" for what he had done, and to allow me to present the brave fellow with a gift, as a mark of gratitude for his fidelity to me. As these favours were asked in the presence of the crowd, he could not very well refuse my request. He sulkily promised that ""Joe" should not be punished, and said if I pleased I might make him a present. I then handed "Joe" twenty dollars in gold, for which he looked a thousand . thanks. I was thus enabled to evince my g^ratitude for what he had done for me, and at the same time present him with the means to aid him in escaping from bondage. Two years after this occurrence, while dining at the American Hotel, in Boston, I observed a coloured waiter eyeing me very closely ; at length he recognized me, nnd asked if I remem- bered him. It was "Joe," my saviour, the former slave of Col. " Legree." I grasped the noble fellow's hand, and congratulated him upon his escape from bondage. In the evening I invited him into the parlour, and introduced him to several influential friends, to whom I narrated the incidents above related. "Joe" subsequently Of .an Abolitionist 47 gave me the following particulars of his escape from slavery : On the Sunday evening following my arrest and acquittal his brother joined him in a piece of woods, near the Col/s plantation, where he had secreted sufficient food to last them several days. TWO PASSENGERS BY THE UNDERGROUND R. R. At midnight they started together, moving ar rapiply as they could through the fields and woods, keeping the north star in front of them. Whenever it was possible they walked in the creeks and marshy grounds, to throw the slave- hunters oft* their tracks. Thus, night after night, they kept on their weary way, hungry and sore- footed. On the morning of the seventeenth day of their freedom, they reached the Ohio river, nearly opposite a large town. All day they lay secreted in the bushes, at night they crossed the river in a small boat, and travelled rapidly, taking a north-easterly course. After enduring many hardships, they reached Cleveland, Ohio, and went to the house of a friend whose name I had gfiven "Joe," They were there kindly received, and supplied with clothing and other comforts. Resting a week, they were sent on to Canada, where " Joe's" brother still lives. 48 Recollections and Experiences Before leaving Boston I secured " Joe " a good situation in a mercantile house, where he remained for many years, rendering faithful service to his grateful employers. LEAVE COLUMBUS FOR OTHER FIELDS. On the day following my release from peril, I took the stage for luka, a station on the Charleston and Memphis Railroad. There I purchased a through ticket for New York, which I took pains to exhibit to the landlord of the hotel, so that in case I was pursued, (as I certainly would be, if "Joe" and his brother succeeded in escaping,) he could state the fact of iny having bought ticketsjpr New York, which would pro- bably check their pursuit. From luka I went to Huntsville, Ala., where for a short time I was busy circulating information among the slaves. AT WORK IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. . Learning that Augusta was favourably situated for my work, and that the slaves in that section were sharp and intelligent, I determined to make that city my next field of labour. Having secured a good home with a Quaker family^ I was soon actively engaged in collecting birds and insects, and in becoming acquainted with the more intelligent coloured people of that section. Of an Abolitionist. FIDELITY OF THE QUAKERS. 49. Among the religious denominations of the South, none were so faithful to the principles of freedom, or to the dictates of humanity in respect to slavery, as the sect called Quakers. Wherever I have met the members of that society, whether in the North or South, they have always proved themselves friends in deed, as well as in name. They could always be im- plicitly trusted by the poor fugitives flying from bondage. I know of many instances where, at great sacrifice and risk, they have shielded the outcasts from their pursuers — the slave-hunters and United States marshals. Hundreds of the negroes of Canada will bear testimony to the unfailing fidelity of the peaceful and worthy Quakers. ELEVEN FOLLOWERS OF THE NORTH STAR. In Augusta I succeeded in equipping a party of eleven fine, active, intelligent slaves, for the long, dangerous, and weary journey to the north. No one, unless engaged in similar work, can appreciate the extreme delicacy of my position. There was not a day, in fact scarcely an hour, that I did not live in expectation of exposure. The system of keen and constant espionage, in practice throughout the Slave 4 50 Recollections and Experiences States, rendered it exceedingly necessary to exercise the greatest prudence in approaching the slaves. If a stranger was seen in conversa- tion with a slave, he became at once an object of suspicion. I found, by experience, that a frank, open, bold, and straightforward course, was the wisest and safest. I was greatly aided in my work here by a remarkably intelligent mulatto, the son of a U. S. Senator by a female slave. This man was chosen leader of the band of fugitives from Augusta, and under his leadership the whole party arrived safely in Canada in less than two months from the time they escaped from bondage. Two members of this party are now living in Canada, and in good circum- stances. Immediately after the exodus of these brave fellows, I quietly left the scene of my labours, and went to Charleston, S. C. EXCITING NEWS. A few days after my arrrval, one of the Charleston papers contained a despatch from Augusta, which stated that several first-class negro men had disappeared from that place within a week ; and that a very general impres- Of an Abolitionist 5» to ling rsa- ject It a irse, by a of a man itives ) the I less paped :y are rcum- brave >ours, sion prevailed there that abolitionists were at work inciting negroes to escape from their masters. I left Charleston that evening, and went to Raleigh, N. C. While at breakfast next morning, two men seated near me entered into conversation relative to the escape of slaves from Augusta. One of them remarked that an Englishman, who had been stopping in Augusta for several weeks, was suspected of doing the mischief, and that it was supposed he had gone with the fugitives, as he had not been seen since the slaves were missed ; but if he should be caught, no mercy would be shown him, as it was time to make an example of the negro thieves that infested the South. I lost no time, obviously, and left by the first train for Wash- ington. IN WASHINGTON. m Washington I became During my stay acquainted with Charles Sumner, at whose house I met many distinguished people, who evinced a warm and kindly interest in my labours. The slaveholders, at that period, held the balance of power in the United States, and the Northern Democrats were used by them to tighten the bonds that bound the coloured people of the South in the chains of slavery. The slave-masters were not satisfied with the recog- $2 Recollections and Experiences nized boundaries of their institution, and sought by every device to obtain some portion of the new territories of the south-west, to which they could carry their vile institution. Northern men, of the Douglas and Seymour stamp, were willing to yield to the slave lords, and even sacrifice the dearest interests of their country, providing they could advance their individual claims to the Presidency. The hau^^^hty and outrageors demands of Davis, Mason, and Toombs, were abetted by the cowardly Demo- cratic politicians of the North. Towering above these contemptible political •demagogues stood Charles Sumner, the br, ve champion of freedom. Nc prospect of political advancement could tempt him from the path of duty, nor could the brutal threats and assaults of his cowardly opponents, cause him to halt in his warfare for the rights of man. Towards the end of April, 1858, I left Wash- ington for Philadelpliia, and laid before my anti- slavery friends a report of my work. One venerable and talented Quaker lady, at whose house oui re-union took place, and whose name Jiad long been identified with the cause of human freedom, tendered me the congratulations of the Society on my safe return from the land of xiarkness and despair. Of an Abolitionist. 5S FUGITIVES FROM HUNTSVILLE, ALA. While in Philadelphia a telegram was received from a friend in Evansville, Indiana, informing me that two fugitives had arrived there in a most pitiable condition, their emaciated bodies bearing the marks of many a bruise. I at once went to Evansville to render them such aid as I could. They were delighted to meet me again, and recalled an interview they had with me at Huntsville, Alabama. The poor fellows were kindly cared for, and after a few days' rest continued their journey to Canada, prepared to defend their right to own them- selves against whoever might dispute it. The route travelled by these fugitives from Hunts- ville to the Ohio river was marked with their blood. Their escape was soon discovered, and persistent efforts were made to capture them. They were followed for two days by blood- hounds that were placed on their tracks, but which they succeeded in eluding, by wading in the creeks and marshes ; for forty-eight hours t'le deep baying of the hounds was frequently neard ! They travelled by night only, taking the north star for their guide, and by day they rested in secluded places. Their sufferings from hunger were very severe, which they were often obliged to relieve by eating frogs and other reptiles. Occasionally, however, they succeeded mm iHI 54 Recollections and Experiences m t'Ul: in obtaining poultry from the hen-houses of the slaveholders on their route. " In dark fens of the Dismal Swamp, The hunted negro lay ; He saw the fire of the midnight camp, And heard at times a horse's tramp. And a bloodhound's distant bay. Where will-o'-the wisps and glow-worms shine In bulrush and in brake ; Where waving mosses shroud the pine. And the cedar grows, and the poisonous vine Is spotted like the snake ; Where' hardly a human foot could pass. Or a human heart would dare. On the quaking turf of the green morass. He crouched in the rank and tangled grass, Like a wild beast in its lair. All things above were bright and fair. All things were glad and free ; Lithe squirrels darted here and there. And wild birds filled the echoing air With songs of liberty. On him alone was the doom of pain. From the morning of his birth ; On him alone the crime of Gain Fell, like a flail on the garnered grain. And struck him to the earth." Longfellow. FUGITIVES FROM SLAVER' During my residence in the Slave States I noticed numerous advertisements in the Of an Abolitionist, 55 Southern papers announcing the escape of slaves and offering rewards for their apprehen- sion. Nearly every newspaper m the South had one or more of such advertisements. A few of these, clipped from the papers of that period, I transcribe as evidence of the barbarism of slavery : (From the Republican Banner and NasJivilU Whig. ) ••Two Hundred Dollars Reward. — Ran away from the snbscriber, on the 23rd of June last, a bright mulatto woman, named Julia, about twenty-live years of age. She is of com- mon size, nearly white and vertf likely. She is a good seam- stress, and can read a little. She may attempt to pass Jor white: dresses well. She took with her Anna, her child, eight or nine years old, an I considerably darker than her mother. " (From the Xeio Orleanu Picayune. ) ••Two Hundred Dollars Reward. — Ran away from the subscriber, last November, a white negro man, about thirty five years old, height about five feet eight or ten mches, blue eyes, has a yellow woolly head, very fair skin. •• P. S. — Said man has a good-shaped foot and leg ; and his foot is very small and hollow." (From the Savannah Repuhlican.) •• Fifty Dollars Reward. — Ran away from the subscriber, on the 22nd ult., my regro man, Albert, who is twenty-seven years old very white, so much so that lie would not he suspected of being a negro. Has blue eyes, and very light hair. Wore, when he left, a long thin beard, and rode a chestnut sorrel horse, with about $70 belonging to himself. '•He is about five feet eight inches high, and weighs about 140 pounds. Has a very humble and meek appearance ; can S6 Recollections and Experiences neither read nor write, and is a very kind and amiable fellow; ■peaks much like a low country negro. He has, no doubt, been led ofiF by some mmrahU wretch, during my absence in New York. " The above rewartl will be paid for his delivery to me, or his apprehension and confinement in any jail where I can get him. ( From the Richmond, Va., Whig.) ** Onk Hundred Dollaks Reward will be given for the apprehension of my negro, Edmund Kenney. He haa straight hair, and complexion so nearly white that it is be> lieved a stranger would suppose that there was no African blood in him. He was with my boy Dick a short time since, in Norfolk, and offered him for sale, and was apprehended, but escaped under pretence of being a white man." "Was taken up and committed to the jail of Halifax County, on the 26th of May, a dark coloured boy, who saya his name is Jordan Artis. Said boy says he was bom free, and was bound out to William Beale, near Murfreesboro', Hertford County, N. C, and is now 21 years of age. The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take the said boy away, within the time pre- scribed by law ; otherwise he will be dealt with (sold as a slave) as the law directs." ••Taken UP, and committed to the jail of New Hanover County. Said negro is about 35 or 40 years old, light com- plected, five feet nine and a half inches high, slim built, upper fore teeth out ; saj's he is a mason by trade, that he is free, and belongs in Alexandria, Va., that he served his time at the mason business under Mr. Wm. Stuart, of Alexandria. He was taken up and committed as a run-away. His owner is notified to come forwanl, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs." li VM Of an Abolitionist. 57 In the same paper are four advertisements of runaways ; two of them I transcribe : " Two Hundred Dollars Reward.— Ban away from the employ of Messrs. Holmes & Brown, on Sunday night, 20th inst., a negro man named Yatney or Medicine, belonging to the undersigned. Said boy is stout built, about five feet four inches high, 22 years old, and dark complected, and has the appearance, when walking slow, of one leg being a little shorter than the other. He was brought from Chapel Hill, and is probably lurking either in the neighbourhood of that place, or Beatty's Bridge, in Bladen County. " The above reward will be paid for evidence sufficient to convict any white person of harbouring him, or a reward of $25 for his apprehension and confinement in any jail in the State, so that I can get him, or for his delivery to me in Wilmington." " Runaway from the subscriber, on the 27th of May, his negro boy Isome. Said boy is about 21 years of age ; rather light complexion ; very coarse hair ; weight about 150 pounds; height about five feet six or seven inches ; rather pleasing countenance; quick and easy spoken; rather a downcast look. It is thought that he is trying to make his way to Franklin County, N. C. A liberal reward will be given for his cofinement in any jail in North or South Carolina, or to any one who will give information where he can be found. " Another infamous advertisement, from the the Richmond, Va., Despatch^ reads as follows : — "For Sale, an accomplished and handsome lady's maid. She is just turned sixteen years of age ; nearly white ; waa reareil in a genteel family in Maryland, and ia now for sale, not for any fault, but simply because the owner has no further use for her." 58 Recollections and Experiences (From the Georgia Messenger.) "RvxAWAY. — MymanG^rge; has holes in his ears; is marked on the back with the whip ; has been shot in the legs; has a scar in the forehead." BLOOD HOUNDS. If the foregoing advertisements are not suffi- cient evidence of the brutalizing results of human slavery, upon the whites, the following adver- tisements taken from a West Tennessee paper, should be convincing proof : — " Blood-Hounds. — I have two of the finest dogs for catch- ing negroes in the Southwest. They can take the trail twelve hours after the negro has passed, and catch him with ease. I live just four miles southwest of Boliver, on the road leading from Boliver to Whitesville. I am ready at all times to catch runaway negroes." The value of these animals to the slave-hunters may be inferred from the following quotation of prices taken from a Columbia, S. C, paper : — "Mr. J. L. Bryan, of Moore county, sold at auction, on the IZOth instant, a pack of ten blood hounds, trained for hunting runaways negroes, for the sum of $1,540. The highest price paid for any one dog was $301 ; lowest price $75 ; everage ior the ten, $154" RUNAWAY SLAVES — HORRIBLE BRUTALITY OF A PLANTER. A letter in a Vicksburg, Miss., paper from a planter, contained the following passage : — Of an Abolitionist. 59 " I can tell you how to break a negro of running away. When I catch a runaway negro I tie him down and pull one ■of his toe nails out by the roots, and tell him if he ever runs away again that I will pull out two of them. I never have to do it more than once. It cures them." A SABBATH SCENE IN THE SOUTH. Scarce had the solemn Sabbath bell Ceased quivering in the steeple ; Scarce had the parson to the desk Walked stately through his people. * When down the summer shaded street A wasted female figure, With dusky brow and naked feet, Came rushing wild and eager. She saw the white spire through the trees. She heard the sweet hymn swelling ; O, pitying Christ ! a refuge give. That poor one in thy dwelling. like a steired fawn before the hounds Right up the aisle she glided ; When close behind her, whip in hand, A lank-haired hunter glided. She raised a keen and bitter cry. To Heaven and Earth appealing ; Were manhood's generous pulses dead 7 Had woman's heart no feeling ? "* TMio dares pmlane this hour and day ?" Cried out the angry pastor ; ** Why, bless your soul, the wench's a slave. And I'm her lewd and master ! 6o Re(^ollcctions and Experiences " I've law and gospel on my side, And who shall dare refuse me ?" Down came the parson, bowing low, " My good sir, pray, excuse me ! ** Of course I know your right divine, * To own, and work, and whip her ; Quick, deacon, throw that Polyglot Before the wench, and trip herl" Flump dropped the holy tome, and o'er It's sacred pages stumbling ;. Bound hand and foot, a slave once more, The hapless wretch lay trembling. I saw the parson tie the knot. The while his flock addressing ; The Scriptural claims of slavery, With text on text iihpressing. Shriek rose on shriek — the Sabbath air Her wild cries tore asunder ; I listened with hushed bieath to hear God answer with his thunder ! All still ! — the very altar's cloth Had smothered down her shrieking ; I saw her dragged along the aisle, Her shr.ckles loudly clanking. My brain took Are ; " Is this," I cried, The end of prayer and preaching ? Then down with pulpit ; down with priest. And give us Nature's teaching I Whittier. CHAPTER III. ROM Evansville I returned to Phila- delphia, and after a short stay in that city left for Boston, via Springfield. MEET WITH AN OLD FRIEND. » At Springfield, Mass., the train stopped suffi- ciently long to enable the passengers to get sup- per. As I took my seat at the table I observed an elderly gentleman looking very earnestly at me. I felt sure I had seen him somewhere ; but where and when I had quite forgotten. At length he recognized me, and taking a seat near me said, in a whisper, " How is the hardware business.^" The moment he spoke I remembered the voice, and recalled my old Cleveland ac- quaintance, Capt. John Brown, of Kansas. SECOND INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BROWN. He was much changed in appearance, looked older and more careworn ; his face was covered 62 Recollections and Experiences with a beard, nearly white ; his dress was plain, but good and scrupulously clean. There was no change in his voice or eye, both were indicative of strength, honesty, and tenacity of purpose. Learning that I was on my way to Boston, whither he was going on the following day, he urged me to remain in Springfield over night, and accompany him to Boston. After supper we retired to a private parlour, and he asked me to tell him about my trip through Mississippi and Alabama. He listened to the recital of my narrative, from the time I left New Orleans until my arrest at Columbus, with great earnestness, without speaking, until I described my arrest and imprisonment ; then his counte- nance changed, his eyes flashed, he paced the room in silent wrath. I never witnessed a more intense manifestation of indignation, and scorn. Coming up to me, he took my wrists in his hands, and said, " God alone brought you out of that hell ; and these wrists have been ironed, and you have been imprisoned for doing your duty ! •! vow, henceforth, that I will not rest from my labour until I have discharged my whole duty towards God, and towards my brother in bondage." When he ceased speaking, he sat down and buried his face in his hands ; in which position he sat for several minutes, as if overcome by his feelings. At length, arousing himself, he Of an Abolitionist. 63 asked me to continue my narrative, to which he listened earnestly during its recital. He said, " The Lord has permitted you to do a work that falls to the lot of but few." Taking a small Bible or Testament from his pocket, he said, "The good book says, 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them ;' it teaches us further, to * remember them in bonds, as bound with them.* " He continued ; " I have devoted the last twenty years of my life to preparations for the work which, I believe, God has given me to do, and while I live I will never cease my labours." He then gave me some details of a campaign which he was then actually preparing for, and which he said had occupied his mind for years. He intended to establish himself in the mountains of Virginia with a small body of picked men — men in whom he could trust, and who feared God. He felt confident th?it the negroes would flock to him in large numbers, and that the slaveholders would soon be glad to " let the oppressed go free ;" that the dread of a negro insurrection would produce fear and trembling in all the Slave States ; that the presence in the mountains of an armed body of Liberators would produce a general insurrection among the slaves, which would end in their freedom. He said he had about twenty-two Kansas men undergoing a ^y IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 l^|2£ 125 1.1 !I U£ 1112.0 m L25 m%^ % Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 145S0 (716)S72-4S03 \ ^\^ <^ ^^ ^^1%/^ ' ..^ °.A. ^^ i^U^ \ «^ i. ^ 64 Recollections and Experiences course of military instruction ; these men would form a nucleous, around which he would soon gather a force sufficiently large and effective to strike terror throughout the Slave States. His present difficulty was, a deficiency of ready money. He had been promised support — to help the cause of freedom — which was not forth- coming, now that he was preparing to carry the war into the South. His friends were disinclined to aid offensive operations. During this inter- view, he informed me that he intended to call a Convention of the friends of the cause at Chat- ham, Canada, in a few weeks, for the purpose of effecting an organization composed of men who were willing to aid him in his purpose of invad- ing the Slave States. He said he had rifles and ammunition sufficient to equip two hundred men ; that he had made a contract for a large number of pikes, with which he intended to arm the negroes ; that the object of his present trip to the East was, to raise funds to keep this contract and perfect his arrangements for an attack upon the Slave States. Captain Brown accompanied me, on the fol- lowing day, to Boston. During our journey, he informed me that he required a thousand dollars at least to complete his preparations, and that he needed money at once to enable him to fulfil Of an Abolitionist 6s a contract for arms with some manufacturer in Connecticut. He also needed money to bring his men from Iowa to Canada. He met with but little success Jn Boston. It appeared that such friends of the cause of freedom, as had an inkling of his project, were not disposed to advance money for warlike purposes, except, for the defence of free territory. Many of his sincere friends, feared that the persecution of himself and family by the pro-slavery border ruffians would provoke him to engage in some enterprize which might result in the destruction of himself and his followers. I am persuaded that there was no reason for any such appre- hension. I never heard him express any feeling of personal resentment towards any one, not even border ruffians. He at -all times, (while in my company), appeared to be under the influ- ence of bro d, enlightened, and humane views, and a fixed determination to do his duty, as an agent of the Almighty, to give freedom to the slaves. fol- She liars ithat Fulfil FAREWELL TO CAPTAIN BROWN. On the morning of Captain Brown's departure from Boston, I accompanied him to the depot, and bid him farewell ! I never again saw the brave old captain in life ! 6 66 Recollections and Experiettces CAPT. BROWN CALLS A CONVENTION. The following invitation from Captain Brown to attend a convention of " true friends of free- dom," to be held in Chatham, Canada, I did not receive until the 13th of May— three days after the time appointed for holding the Convention : Chatham, Canada, May 5tli, 1858. My Dkar Friend, I have called a q%mi Convention in this place of trvA friends jof freedom. Your attendance is earnestly re* quested on thie 10th inst. ♦ ♦ » Your Friend, (Fae-HmiU qf Siffnaturt.) ^cr'Apyz^ (y })^, A^as read from the vfmdo\v oi i\i& Despatch office, the vast crowds set up a demoniac yell of delight, which to me sounded like a death knell to all my hopes for the freedom of the enslaved. As the excitement was hourly increasing, and threats made to search the city for abolition- ists, I felt that nothing could be gained by remaining in Richmond. I left for Washington, almost crushed in spirit at the destruction of Capt. Brown and his brave little band. On the train were Southerners from several of the Slave States, who boldly expressed their views of Northern abolitionists in the most emphatic slave-driving language. The excitement was intense, every Of an Abolitionist. ■n stranger, especially if he looked like a Northerner, was closely watched, and in some instances sub- jected to inquisition. .t ; DOUGH-FACED NORTHERNERS. The attitude of many of the leading Northern politicians and so-called statemen, in W-^.shington, was actually disgusting. These week-kneed and craven creatures were profuse in their apologies for Brown's assault, and hastened to divest them- selves of what little manhood they possessed, while in the presence of the braggarts and women-whippers of the South. " What can we do to conciliate the Slave States ?" was the leading question of the day. Such men as Crittenden and Douglas, were ready to com- promise with the slaveholders even at the sacri- fice of their avowed principles. While Toombs, Davis, Mason, Slidell, and the rest of the slave- driving crew, haughtily demanded further guaran- tees for the protection of their *' institution ;" and had it not been for the stand taken by the people of the Northern States at that time, their political leaders would have bound the North, hand and foot, to do the bidding of the slave- holders. But on that- occasion the people of the North showed themselves worthy descendants of their revolutionary sires. \ f^ Recollections and Experiences EFFECTS OF JOHN BROWN'S ATTACK. The blow struck at Harper's Ferry, which the Democratic leaders affected to ridicule, had startled the slaveholders from their dreams of security, and sent fear and trembling into every home in the Slave States. The poor oppressed slave, as he laid down on his pallet of straw, weary from his enforced labours, offered up a prayer to God for the safety of the grand old captain, who was a prisoner in the hands of merciless enemies, thirsting for his blood. BRAVERY OF CAPTAIN BROWN. How bravely John Brown bore himself while in the presence of the human wolves that sur- rounded him, as he lay mangled and torn in front of the engine-house at Harper's Ferry t Mason, of Virginia, and that Northern renegade,. Vallandighaiii, interrogated the apparently dying" man, trying artfully, but in vain, to get him to implicate leading Northern men. In the history of modern times there is not recorded another instance of such rare heroic valour as John Brown displayed in the presence of Governor Wise, of V^irginia. How contemptible Mason, Wise, and Vallandigham appear when compared with the wounded old soldier, who lay weltering in his blood, shed in behalf of the oppressed. Mason \ Of an Abolitionist. 7f and Vallandigham died with the stain of treason on their heads, while Governor Wise, who signed Brown's death warrant, still lives (1874), a despised and withered wreck. To superficial observers, Brown's attack on Virginia with so small a force, looked like the act of a madman ; but those who knew John Brown, and the men under his command, are satisfied that if he had carried out his original plans, and retreated with his force to the moun- tains, after he had captured the arms in the arsenal, he could have baffled any force sent against him. The slaves would have flocked to his standard by thousands, and the slaveholders would have trembled with fear for the safety of their families. on . JOHN BROWN VICTORIOUS. John Bro\yn in prison, surrounded by his captors, won greater victories than if he had con- quered the South by force of arms. His courage, truthfulness, humanity, and self-sacrificing devo- tion to the cause of the poor downtrodden slaves, shamed the cowardly, weak-kneed, and truculent Northern politicians into opposition to the haughty demands of the despots of the South. yS Recollections and Experiences " HIS SOUL IS MARCHING ON." Virginia, in her pride and strength, judicially murdered John Brown. But the day is not far distant when the freedmen and freemen of the South will erect a monument on the spot where his gallows once stood, to perpetuate to all coming generations the noble self-sacrifice of that brave Christian martyr. And when the Southern statesmen who shouted for his execu- tion are mouldering in the silent dust, forgotten or unpleasantly remembered, the memory of John Brown will grow brighter and brighter through all coming ages. JOHN BROWN'S MARTYRDOM. December the 2nd, 1859, was the day appointed for the execution of Cap!:. Brown. I determined to make an effort to see him once more if possi- ble. Taking the cars at Baltimore, on November 26th, I went to Harper's Ferry, and applied to the military officer in command for permission to go to Charlestown. He enquired my object in wishing to go there at that time, while so much excitement existed. I replied, that I had a desire to see John Brown once more before his death. Without replying to me, he called an officer in the room and directed him to place me in close confinement until the train for Baltimore Of an Abolitionist. 79 came, and then to place me on the train, and command the conductor to take me to Baltimore. Then, raising his voice, he said, " Captain, if he (myself) returns to Harper's Ferry, shoot him at once." I was placed under guard until the train came in, when, in spite of my protests, I was taken to Baltimore. Determined to make one more attempt, I went to Richmond to try and obtain permission from the Governor. After much difficulty I obtained an INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR WISE. I told the Governor that I had a strong desire to see John Brown before his execution ; that I had some acquaintance with him, and had formed a very high estimate of him as a man. I asked him to all9w me to go to Charlestown (under surveillance if he pleased), and bid the old Captain " Good bye." The Governor made many inquiries to ascertain my views of Brown^ and finally asked whether I justified his attack on Vir- ginia. I replied, that from childhood I had been an ardent admirer of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, and that all these great and good men deplored the existence of slavery in the Republic^ That my admiration and friendship for John Brown was owing to his holding similar views, and his earnest desire to abolish the evil. The So Recollections and Experiences Governor looked at me with seeming amaze- ment, and for a moment made no reply. At length he straightened himself up, and, assuming a dignified look, said, " My family motto is, * sapere aude^ I am wise enough to understand your object in wishing to go to Charlestown, and I dare you to go. If you attempt it, I will have you shot. It is just such men as you who have urged Brown to make his crazy attack upon our consti- tutional rights and privileges. You shall not leave Richmond until after the execution of Brown. I wish I could hang a dozen of your leading abolitionists." •GOVERNOR WISE WOULD LIKE TO BAG GIDDINGS AND GERRIT SMITH, AND HANG THEM ! " If I could bag old Giddings and Gerrit Smith, I would hang them without trial." The Governor became excited, and, rising from his chair, paced the floor angrily, saying, " No, sir ! you shall not leave Richmond. You shall ^o to prison, and remain there until next Monday ; then you may go North, and slander the State which ought to have hanged you !" I replied that as he refused me permis- sion to see Captain Brown, I would leave Virginia at once, and thus save the State any trouble or expense on my account. I said this Of an Abolitionist. 8i very quietly, while his eyes were rivited on me. In reply, he said, " Did I not tell you that you should remain a prisoner here until Monday ?** I replied, " Yes, Governor, you certainly did ; but I am sure the executive of this great State is too wise to fear one unarmed man." For a moment he tapped the table with his fingers ; then he approached me, and shaking his fore- finger, said ; " Well, you may go ; and I would advise you to tell your Giddings, Greeleys, and Garrisons, cowards that they are, to lead the next raid on Virginia themselves." >v..-. )m ^all ;xt ler ns- ive jny Ihis Fearing that obstacles would be thrown in my way which might cause detention and trouble, I requested the Governor to give me a permit to leave the State of Virginia. Without making any reply, he picked up a blank card, and wrote as follows : — " The bearer is hereby ordered to, leave the State of Virginia within twenty-four hours." {Fac-iimih of Signature.) C/o'^ .yf^/7^<<. « S2 Recollections and Experiences This he handed me, saying, " The sooner you go, the better for you : our people are greatly excited, and you may regret this visit, if you stay another hour." On returning to Philadelphia I wrote to Cap- tain Brown, bidding him a last farewell. Seve- ral days after his execution I received from the sheriff of Jefferson County, Virginia, the follow- ing letter, written by the captain a few hours before his death : — CAPT. BROWN'S FAREWELL LETTER TO THE AUTHOR. Jail, Charlestown, Va., December Ist, 1859. My Dear Friend : — Captain Avis, my jailer, has just handed me your most kind and affectionate letter. I am sorry your efforts to reach this place have been unavailing. I thank you for your faithfulness, and the assurance you give me that my poor and deeply afflicted family will be provided for. It takes from my mind the greatest cause of sadness I have experienced since my imprisonment. In a few hours, through infinite grace in " Christ Jesus, my Lord," I shall be in another and better state of existence. I feel quite cheer- ful, and ready to die. My dear friend, do not give up your labours for the " poor that cry, and them that are in bonds." {Fae-simiU of the tliree last Hneg.) Of an Abolitionist. 83 I remained in Philadelphia until the remains of Captain Brown arrived, en route for their final resting place at North Elba, in Northern New York. Having taken my last look at the dead liberator, I returned to Canada. CAPT. brown's attack ON HARPER'S FERRY. The following account of Captain Brown's attack upon Harper's Ferry, together with the particulars of his defeat, capture, imprisonment, trial, and execution I have collected and sum- marized from accounts furnished by eye-witnesses and participants in these important events: — THE ilRST ACTIVE MOVEMENT. The first active movement in the insurrection was made at about half -past ten o'clock on Sunday night, October 16, 1859. William Williamson, the watchman at Harper's Ferry bridge, while walking across toward the Maryland side, was seized by a number of men, who said he was their prisoner, and must come with them. He recognized Brown and Cook among the men, and knowing them, treated the matter as a joke, but enforcing silence, they conducted him to the Armory, which he found already in their possession. He was detaineil till after daylight and then discharged. The watchman who was to relieve Williamson at midnight found the bridge lights all out, and was immediately seized. Sup- posing it an attempt at robbery, he broke away, and his pur* Buers stumbling over him, he escaped. ABREST OF COLONEL WASHINGTON AND OTHERS. Ihe next appearance of the insurrectionists was at the house of Colonel Lewis Washington, a large fanner and slave-owner, 84 Recollections and Experiences living about four miles from the ferry. A party, headed by Cook, proceeded there, and rpusing Colonel Washington, told him he was their prisoner. They also seized all the slaves near the house, took a carriage horse, and a large waggon with two horses. When Colonel Washington saw Cook, he imme« diately recognized him as the man who had called upon him some months previous, to whom he had exhibited some valu- able arms in his possession, including an antique sword presented by Frederick the Great to George Washington, and a pair of pistols presented by Lafayette to Washington, both being heir-looms in the family. Before leaving. Cook wanted Colonel Washington to engage in a trial of skill at shooting, and exhibited considerable skill as a marksman. When he made the visit on Sunday night he alluded to his previous visit, and the courtesy with which he hail been treated, and regretted the necessity which made it his duty to arrest Colonel Washington. He, however, took advantage of the knowledge he had obtained by his former visit to carry off all the valuable collection of arms, which the Colonel did not re- obtain till after the final defeat of the insurrection. From Colonel Washington's he proceeded with him as a prisoner in the carriage, and twelve of his negroes in the waggon, to the house of Mr. Alstadt, another large farmer, on the same road. Mr. Alstadt and his son, a lad of sixteen, were taken prisoners, and all their negroes within reach forced to join the movement. They were taken to the Armory at th& Ferry. THE STOPPAGE OF THE RAILROAD TRAIN. At the upper end of the town the mail train arrived at the usual hour, when a coloured man, who acted as assistant to the baggage-master, was shot, receiving a mortal wound, and the conductor was threatened with violence if he attempted to proceed with the train. Feeling uncertain as to the con- dition of affairs, the conductor waited until after duylight before he ventured to proceed, having delayed the train six hours. Of an Abolitionist. 85 The baggage-master of the mail-train, gives the following particulars : I walked up the bridge ; was stopped, but was afterward permitted to go up and see the captain of the insur- rectionists ; I was taken to the Armory, and saw the capta q, whose name is Bill Smith } I was kept prisoner for more than an hour, and saw from five to six hundred negroes, all having arms ; there were two or three hundred white men with them ; all the houses were closed. I went into a tavern ; thirty of the inhabitants were collected there with arms. They said most of the inhabitants had left, but they declined, preferring to protect themselves ; it was reported that five or six persons had been shot. THE STATE OF ATFAIRS AT DAYBREAK. It was not until the town thoroughly waked up, and found the bridge guarded by armed men, and a guard stationed at all the avenues, that the people saw that they were prisoners. A panic appears to have immediately ensued, and the number of insurrectionists was at once largely increased. In the mean time a number of workmen, not knowing anything of what had occurred, entered the Armory, and were successively taken prisoners, until at one time they had not less than sixty men confined in the Armory. These were imprisoned in the engine-house, which afterward became the chief fortress of the insurgents, and were not released until after the final as',ault. The workmen were imprisoned in a large building further down the yard. The lawn in front of the engine-house after the assault pre* seuted a dreadful sight. Lying on it were two bodies of men killed on the previous day, and found inside the house ; three wounded men, one of them just at the last gasp of life, and two others groaning in pain. One of the dead was Captain Brown's son ; Oliver, who was mortally wounded, and his other son, Watson, was lying on the grass, the father presented a gory spectacle. He had a severe bayonet wound in his side, and his face and hair were clotted with blood. S6 Recollections and Experiences APPEARANCE OF VHE PRISONERS. When the liberators were brought out, some dead, others wounded, they were greeted with execrations, and only the precautions that had been taken saved them from immediate execution. The crowd, nearly every man of which carried a gun, swayed with tumultuous excitement, and cries of "Shoot them ! shoot them ! " rang from every side. The appearance of the liberated prisoners, all of whom, through the steadiness of the marines, escaped injury, changed the current of feeling, and prolonged cheers took the place of howls and execrations. brown's examination. A short time after Captain Brown was brought out, he revived and talked earnestly to those about him, defending his course, and avowing that he had done only what was right. He replied to questions substantially as follows: "Are you Captain Brown, of Kansas?" "I am sometimes called so." "Are you Osawatamie Brown?" "I tried to do my duty there." "What was your present object?" "To free the slaves from bondage." "Were any other persons but those with you now connected with the movement ? " "No." "Did you expect aid from the North?" "No; there was no one connected with the movement but those who came with me." "Did you expect to kill people to carry your point ?" "I did not wish to do so, but you force us to it." Various questions of this kind were put to Captain Brown, which he answered clearly and freely, with seeming anxiety to vindicate himself. He urged that he had the town at his mercy : that he could have burned it, and murdered the inhabitants, but did not ; he had treated the prisoners with courtesy, and complained that he was hunted down like a beast. He spoke of the killing of his son, which he alleged was done while bearing a flag of truce, and seemed very anxious for the safety of his wounded son. His conversation bore the impression of the conviction that whatever he had done to free the slaves was right ; and that, in the warfare in which he was engaged, he was entitled to be treated with all the respect of a prisoner of war. Of an Abolitionist. 87 I OAFTTTRX OF ARMS. Daring Tuesday morning, one of Washington's negroes oame in and reported that Captain Cook was on the mountain, only three miles off ; about the same time some shots were said to have been fired from the Maryland hills, and a rapid fusilade was returned from Harper's Ferrr. The Independent Grays of Baltimore immediately started on a scouting expedition, and in two hours returned •with two waggons loaded with arms and ammunition, found at Captain Brown's house. The arms consisted of boxes filled with Sharp's rifles, pis- tols, &c., all bearing the stamp of the Massachusetts Manu- facturing Company, Chicopee, Mass. There were also found a quantity of United States ammunition, a large number of spears, sharp iron bowie-knives fixed upon poles, a terrible looking weapon, intended for the use of the negroes, with spades, pickaxes, shovels, and everything else that might be needed ; thus proving that the expedition was well provided for, that a large party of men were expected to be armed, and that abundant means had to be provided to pay all expenses. How all these supplies were got up to this farm without attracting observation is very strange. They are supposed to have been brought through Pennsylvania. The Grays pur-> sued Cook so fast that they secured a part of his arms, but with his more perfect knowledge of localities, he was enabled to evade them. TREATMENT 07 BROWN's PRISONERS. The citizens imprisoned by the inBurr<)ctionist8 all testify to their lenient treatment. They were neither tied nor in- sulted, and, beyond the outrage of restricting their liberty, were not illused. Captain Brown was always courteous to them, and at all times assured them that they would not be injured. He explained his purposes to them, and while he had them (the workmen) in confinement, made no abolition speech to them. * Colonel Washington speaks of him as a man of extraordinary nerve. He never blanched 38 Recollections and Experiences during the lUMUtult, though he admitted in the night that eaoape was impoMible, and that he would have to die. When the door was broken down, one of his men exclaimed, " I sur- render." The Captain immediately cried out, "There's one surrenders ; give him quarter ;" and at tie same moment fired his own rifle at the door. During the previous night he spoke freely with Colonel Washington, and referred to his sons. He said he had lost one in Kansas, and two here. He had not pressed them to join him in the expedition, but did not regret their loss — they had died in a glorious cause. brown's papeks and stores. On the 18th a detachment of marines and some volunteers made a visit to Captain Brown's house. They found a large quantity of blankets, boots, shoes, clothes, tents, and fifteen hundred pikes, with large blades affixed. They also discov- ered a carpet-bag, containing documents throwing much light on the affair, printed constitutions and by-laws of an organi- zation, showing or indicating ramifications in various States of the Union. They also found letters from various indivi- duals at the North — one from Oerrit Smith about money matters, and a check or draft by him for $100, indorsed by the cashier of a New York bank. All these ore in possession of Governor Wise. HIS WARNING TO THE SOUTH. Reporter of the Herald. — 1 do not wish to annoy you ; but, if you have anything further you would like to say, I will re- port it. Mr. Brown. — I have nothing to say, only that I claim to be here in carrying out a measure I believe perfectly justifiable, and not to act the part of an incendiary or ruffian, but to aid those suffering great wrong. I wish to say, furthermore, that you had better — all you people at the South — prepare your- selves for a settlement of that question that must come up for settlement sooner than you are prepared for it. The sooner Of an Abolitionist. 89 you are prepared the better. You may dispose of me very easily. I am nearly disposed of now ; but this question is •till to be settled — this negro question, I mean ; the end of that is not yet. These wounds were inflicted upon me — both aabre cuts on my head and bayonet stabs oii different parts of my body — some minutes after I hae perfectly right for any one to interfere with you so far as to froe those you wilfully and wickedly hold in bondage. I do not say this insultingly. Mr. Mason. — I understand that. Mr. Brown. — I tliink I did right, and that others will do right who interfere with you at any time and all times. I hold that the golden rule, " Do unto others as you would that' others should do unto you," applies to all who would help others to gain their lil^erty. l;i : HOW HE WAS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. Mr. Mason. — Did yon consider this a military organization^ in this paper (the Constitution) ? I have not read it. Mr. Brown. — I did in some sense. I wish you would give- that X)'Vper close attention. Mr. Mason. — You considered yourself the Commander-in- Chief of these " i)ro visional " military forces? Mr. Brown. — I was chosen, agreeably to the ordinance of a certain document, Commander-in-Chief of that force. ! 1 Of an Abolitionist 91 Mr. Mason. — What wages did you oflfer ? Mr. Brown. — None. Lieutenant Stuart. — "The wages of sin is death." Mr. Brown. — I would not have made such a remark to you, if you had been in my hands a prisoner and wounded. WHAT HE EXPECTED. Mr. Vallandigham. — Did you expect a general rising of the slaves in cose of your success ? Mr. Brown. — No, sir; nor did I wish it. I expected to gather them up from time to time and set them free. Mr. Vallandigham. — Did you expect to hold possession here till then ? Mr. Brown. — Well, probably l%ad quite a diflFerent idea. I do not know that I ought to reveal my plans. I am here a prisoner and wounded, becaiise I foolishly allowed myself to *be so. You overrate your strength in supposing I could have- been taken if I had not allowed it. I was too tardy after commencing the open attack — in delaying my movements through Monday night, and up to the time I was attacked by the Government troops. It was all occasioned by my desire to spare the feelings of my x^nsoners and their families and the community at large. Mr. Vallandigham. — What time did you commence your organization in Canada. Mr. Brown. — That occurred a})out two years ago, if I remember right. It was, I tlrink, in 1858. Mr. Vallandigham. — Who was the secretary? Mr. Brown. — That I woiild not tell if I recollected, but I do not recollect. I think the officers were elected in May, 1858. I *aay answer incorrectly,, but not intentionally. My head vs a little confused by wounds, and my memory obscure on dates, PERSONAL APPEARANCE OK THE INSURGENTS. A writer in the Baltimore JSxchanyc, gives the following account of the personal appearance of the insurgents : — 92 Recollections and Experiences Capt. Browu, the leader, is a small man, with white head, and cold-looking grey eyes. When not speaking his lips are com- pressed, and he has the appearance of a most determined man. His two sons (one dead) were strikingly alike in their personal appearance. Each about five feet eleven inches high, with spare visage, sallow complexion, sunken eyes, and dark hair and beard. The beard was sparse and long, and their hair long and matteiL The wounded man is of undoubted courage, and from his cold sullen manner, one would suppose did not ask for or desire sympathy. Anderson, mortally wounded, is tall, black-haired, and of dark complexion. His appearance is indicative of desperate resolution. Although su£fering the most intense agony from the wound in the abdomen, he did not complain, or ask for any favour, and the only evidence he ^ave of suffering, was occasionally a slight groan. He looks to be thirty years of age. Stevens, who was wounded on Monday afternoon, and taken prisoner, is physically a model- man. He is five feet eleven inches high, with fine brawny shoulders and large sinewy limits, all the muscles finely developed and hard. He is of dark complexion, and of un- doubted resolution. When taken prisoner, he did not ask or expect quarter, and lay and suffered from his wounds without complaint other than a groan. COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRIAL. An attempt of Brown's to have ^he trial postponed in order to obtain counsel from the North having failed, the case was proceeded with. The jury having lieen swoni to fairly and impartially to try the prisoner, the Court directed that the prisoner might forego the foi-m of standing while arraigned, if he desired it. Mr. Botts put the enquiry to the prisoner, and he continued to lie prostrate on his cot while the long indictment, filling «even pages, was read : Fir»t — For conspiring with negroes to produce insurrection ; Second — For treason to the Commonwealth ; and, Tidrd — For murder. Of an Aboliticnist. 95 THE SPEECIIDS AND THE EVIPENCE. The case was then opened at length by Messrs. Harding and Hunter for the Commonwealth, and by Messrs. Botts and Green for the prisoner. ion; CAPTAIN BROWN ASKS FOR DELAY. Mr. Brown then arose, and said : " I do not intend to de-^ tain the Court, but barely wish to say, as I have been pro- mised a fair trial, that I am not now in circumstances that enable me to attend a trial, owing to the state of my health. I have a severe wound in the back, or rather in 61. e kidney, which enfeebles me very much. But I .am doing well ; and I only ask for a very short delay of my trial, and I think that I may be able to listen to it ; and I merely ask this, that as the saying is, * the devil may have his dues' — no more. I wish to say further, that my hearing is impaired, and rendered indi8< tinct in consequence of wounds I have about my head. I can- not hear distinctly at all ; I could not hear what the Court said this morning. I would be glad to hear what is said on my trial, and am now doing better than I could expect to be under the circumstances. A very short delay would be all I would ask. I do not presume to ask more than a very short delay, so that I may in some degree recover, and be able at least to listen to my trial, and hear what questions are asked of the citizens, and what their answers arc If that could be allowed me, I should be very much obliged." At the conclusion of Brown's remarks, the Court assigned Charles J. Faulkner and Lawson Botts as counsel for the pri- soners. THE EXAMINATION BEFORE THE MAQISTRATES. The examination before the magistrates then proceeded. The evidence given was much the same as that which we published last week. It established the main facts charged against Brown, but showed that he had treated the prisoners humanely. At the close of the examination, the case waa given to the Grand Jury, who found a true bill next day. 94 Recollections and Experiences THE ARRAIGNMENT. " At twelve o'clock, on the 26th, the Court re-assembled. The Grand Jury reported a true bill against the prisoners, and were discharged. Charles B. Harding and Andrew Hunter for the Common- wealth ; and Charles J. Faulkner and Lawsou Botts, for the prisoners. A true bill was read against each prisoner : First — For conspiring with negroes to produce insurrection ; Second — For treason to the Commonwealth ; Third — For murder. The prisoners were brought into Court accompanied by a body of armed men. They passed through the streets and entered the Court-house without the slightest demonstration on the part of the people. Brown looked somewhat better, and his eye was not so much swollen. Stevens had to be supported, and reclined on a mattress on the floor of tVie Court-room, evidently unable to sit. He had the appearance of a dying man, breathing with great difficulty. Before the reading of the arraignment, Mr. Hunter called the attention of the Court to the necessity of appointing additional counsel for the prisoners, stating that one of the counsel (Faulkner) appointed by the County Court, consider- ing his duty in that capacity as having ended, had left. The prisoners, therefore, had no other counsel than Mr. Botts. If the Court was about to aeisign them other counsel, it might be proper to do so now. The Court stated that it would assign them any member of the bar they might select. After consulting Captain Brown, Mr. Botts said that the prisoner retained him, and desired Mr. Green, his assistant, to assist him. If the Court would accede to that arrange- ment it would be very agreeable to him personally. The Court requested Mr. Green to act as counsel for the prisoner, and he consented to do «o. Mr. Brown addressed the Court as follows : — ^1 fi< Of an Abolitionist. 9i r the Virginians, — I did not ask for any quarter at the time I was taken. I did not ask to have my life spared. The Governor of the State of Virginia tendered me his assurance that I should have a fair trial ; but under no circumstances whatever will I be i^ble to have a fair trial. If you seek my blood, you can have it any moment, without this mockery of a trial. I have had no counsel ; I have not been able to advise with any one. I know nothing about the feelings of my fellow prisoners, and am utterly unable to attend in any way to my own defence. My memory don't serve me ; my health is insufficient, although improving. There are miti- gating circumstances that I would urge in our favour if a fair trial is to be allowed us ; but if we are to be farced with a mere form — a trial for execution — you might spare yourselves that trouble. I am ready for my fate. I do not ask a trial. I beg for no mockery of a trial — no insult — nothing but that which conscience gives or^ cowardice would drive you to prac- tise. I ask again to be excused from the mockery of a trial. I do not even know what the special design of this examina- tion is. I do not know what is to be the benefit of it to the Commonwealth. I have now little further to ask, other thaqi that I may not be foolishly insulted, only as cowardly bar- barians insult those who fall into their power. THE TRIAL OF JOHN BROWN. On Monday, 31st ult., Mr. Griswold summed up for the defence, and Mr. Harding for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During most of the arguments Brown lay on his back, with his eyes closed. Mr, Chilton asked the Court to instruct the jury, if they belir e the prisoner was not a citizen of Virginia, but of anccher State, they cannot convict on a count of treason. The Court declined, saying the Constitution did not give rights and immunities alone, but also imposed responsibili- ties. Mr. Chilton asked another instruction, to the effect that the jury must be satisfied that the place where the offence g6 Rccoliections and Experiences was committed was withiu the boundaries of Jefferson County, which the Court granted. A recess was taken for half an hour, when the jury came in with a verdict. There was intense excitement. Brown sat up in bed while the verdict was rendered. The jury found him guilty of treason, advising and conspir- ing with slaves and others to rebel, and for murder in the first degree. MOTION IN ARREST OF JUDGMENT. Mr. Chilton moved an arrest of judgment, both on account of errors in the indictment, and errors in the verdict. . The prisoner had been tried for an offence not appearing on the record of the Grand Jury ; the verdict was not on each count separately, but was a general verdict on the whole indictment. On the following day Mr. Griswold stated the point on which an arrest of judgment was asked for in Brown's case. He said it had not been proved beyond a doubt that he (Brown) was even a citizen of the United States, and argued that treason could not be committed against a State, but only against the General Government, citing the authority of Judge Story ; also stating the jury had not found the prisoner guilty of the crimes as charged in the indictment — they had not re- sponded to the offences, but found him guilty of offences not charged. They find him guilty of murder in the first degree, when the indictment don't charge him with offences constitut- ing that crime. Mr. Hunter replied, quoting the Virginia code to the effect that technicalities should not arrest the administration of jus- tice. As to the jurisdiction over treason, it was sufficient to say that Virginia had passed a law assuiiung that jurisdic- tion, and defining what constituted that'crime. On the following day the Court gave its decision as ruling the objections made. In the objection that treason cannot be committed against a State, he ruled that wherever allegiance is due, treason may be committed. Most of the States have Of an Abolitionist. 97 passed laws against treason. The objections as to the form of the verdict r'^ndered, the Court also regarded as insufficient. The clerk then asked Mr. Brown whether he had anything to say why sentence should not be passed upon him. Mr. Brown immediately rose, and, in a clear, distinct Yoice» said j^ " I have, may it please the Court, a few words to say. I deny every thing but what I have all along admitted, of a design on my part to free slaves. I intended, certainly, to have made a clean thing of that matter, as I did last winter, when I went into Missouri, and there took slaves without the snapping of a gun on either side, moving them through the country, and finally leaving them in Canada. I designed to have done the same thing again on a larger scale. That was all I intended. I never did intend murder or treason, or the destruction of property, or to excite or incite slaves to rebel- lion, or to make insurrection. I have another objection, and that is, that it is unjust that I should suffer such a penalty. Had I interfered in the manner in which I admit, and which I admit has been fairly proved — for I admire the truthfulness and candour of the greater portion of the witnesses who have testified in this case— had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in behalf of any of their friends, either father, mother, brother, sister, wife, or children, or any of that class, and suffered and sacri- ficed what I have in this interference, it would have been all right ; every man in this Court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward, rather than pimishment. effect jus- kntto ksdic* AN APPEAL TO THE BIBLE. "This Court acknowledges, too, as I suppose, the validity of the law of God. I see a book kissed, which I suppose to be the Bible, or at least the New Testament, which teaches me that all things whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them. It teaches me, further, to remember them that are in bonds as bound with them. I endeavoured to act up to that instruction. I say I am yet 7 98 Recollections a$td Experiences too young to umlentantl that Co«l ii any respecter of pononi. I believe that to have interfered ns I have done, at I have Always freely admitto mained in tears a few moments, and then prepared to depart. The interview took place in the parlour of Captain Avis, and the prisoner was free from manacles of any kind. They sat side by side on a sofa, and after discussing family matters pro- ceeded to business. THE EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN BROWN. At eleven o'clock, on 2nd December, the prisoner was brought out of the jail, accompanied by Sheriff Campbell and assistants, and Captain Avis, the jailer. As he came out, the six companies of infantry and one troop of horse, with Gene- ltd Taliaferro, and his entire staff, were deplo3ring in front of the jail, while an open waggon with a pine box, in which was a fine oak coffin, was waiting for him. Of an Abolitionist 103 Brown looked around, imd spoke to aevend persons he re> oognized, and v ulking down the steps, took a seat on the coffin box along with the jailer, Avis. On leaving the jail he had on his face an expression of calmness and serenity char- acteristic of the patriot who is about to die with a living con* •cioushess that he is laying down his life for the good of his fellow-creatures. His face was even joyous, and a forgiving smile rested upon his lips. The waggon moved off, flanked by two files of riflemen in close order. On reaching the field the military had already full possession. Pickets were established, and the citizens kept back, at the point of the bayonet, from taking any position but that assigned them. Brown was accompanied by no ministers, he desiring no religious services either in the jail or on the scaffold. Ir was 111 and It, the Gene- ront of Lh was JOHK BROWN or OSAWATOMIE. John Brown, of Osawatomie, Spake on his dying day : " .1 will not have, to shrive my soul, A priest in Slavery's pay ; But let some poor slave-mother, Whom I have striven to free, With her children, from the gallows-stair, Put up a prayer for me !" John Brown, of Osawatomie, They led him out to die. When lo, a poor slave-mother. With her little child, pressed nigh. Then the bold, blue eye grew tender, And the old, harsh face grew mild. As he stooped between the jeering ranks And kissed the negro's child !" — Whitt'ier. On reaching the field where the gallows was erected, the prisoner said, " Why, are none but military allowed in the inclosure? I am sorry citizens have been kept out." Oa 104 Recollections and Experiences reaching the gallows he observed Mr. Hunter and Mayor Green standing near, to whom he said, " Gentlemen, good- by !" his voice not faltering. ON THB GALLOWS. • The prisoner walked up the steps firmly, and was the first man on the gallows. Avis and Shoriff Campbell stootl by his side, and after shaking hands, and bidding an affectionate adieu, he thanked them for their kindness, when the cap was put over his face, b.\\\ the rope around his neck. Avis asked him to step forward on the trap. He replied, •* You must lead me; I caimut see." The rope was adjusted, and the military order given, "Not ready yet." The soldiers marched, and countermarched, and took position as if an enen?y were in sight, and were thus occupied for nearly ten minutes, the prisoner standing all the time. Avis inquired if he was not tired. Brown said, " No, not tired ; but don't keep m^ waiting longer than is necessary." While on the scafibld Sheriff Campbell asked him if he would take a handkerchief in his hanri to drop as a signal when he was ready. He replied, "No, I do not want it; but do not detain me any longer than is absolutely necessary. " The execution took place at fifteen minutes past eleven. The body was several times examined, and the piilse did not cease until thirty-five minutes had passed. The body was then taken down, placed in a coffin, and conveyed under military escort to the depot, where it was put in a car to be carried to the ferry by a special train at four o'clock. EXTRACTS FROM JOHN BROWN'S WILL. Chaelestown, Jefferson Co., Va., December, 1, 1859. I give to my son John Brown, Jr. , my surveyor's compass and other surveyor's articles if found; also, my old granite monument, now at North Elba, N. Y., to receive upon its two sides a further inscription, as I will hereafter direct ; said stone Of an Abolitionist. 165 monument, however, to remain at North Elba so long as any of my children and my %e\fe may remain there as residents. I give to my daughter Ruth Thompson my large old Bible, containing the family record. I give to each of my sons, and to each of my other daugh- ters, my son-in-law Henry Thompson, and to each of my daughters-in-law, as gooil a copy of the Bible as can be pur> chased at some bookstore in New York or Boston, at a cost of five dollars each in caah. I give to each of my grandchildren that may bo living when my father's estate is settled, as good a coi^y of the Bible as can be purchased (as above) at a cost of three dollars each. All the Bibles to be purchased at ouo and the same time, for cash, on the best terms. • » * John Avis, Witnetts. John Bkown. a final codicil. Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va., December 2, 1859. It is my desire that my wife have all my personal property not previously disposed of by me, and the entire use of all my landed property during her natural life ; and that, after her death, the proceeds of such land be ecpially divided between all my then living children ; and that what would be a child's share be given to the children of each of my sons who fell at Hai'per's Ferry, ami that a child's share be divide«l among the children of my now living children M'ho may die before their mother (my present beloved wife). No formal will can be of any use when my expressed wishes are maile known to my dutiful and beloved family. John Brown. My dear Wife : I have time to enclose the within and the above, which I forgot yesterday, and to bid you another fare- well. "Be of good cheer," and God Almighty bless, save, comfort, guide, and keep you to "the end." Your affectionate husband, John Brown. io6 Recollections and Experiences JOHK brown's AUTOOBAPH. One of the jail-guard, a worthy gentleman of this place, asked of Captain firown his antograph. He expressed the kindest feeling for him, and said he wonld give it upon this consideration — that he should not make a speculation out of it. The gentleman never alluded to the subject again, but on the morning of execution Brown sent for him, and handed him the following communication : — Chablestown, Va., December, 2nd, 1859. I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged avxiy but with hlood. I had, as I now think, vainly flattered myself that, without much bloodshed, it might be done. VICTOR HUGO ON JOHN BROWN. The following is an extract from an address by Victor Hugo : — ** When we reflect on what Brown, the liberator, the champion of Christ, has striven to efifect, and when we re- member that he is about to die, slaughtered by the American Republic, the crime assumes the proportions of the nation which commits it ; and when we say to ourselves that this nation is a glory of the human race ; that — like France, like England, like Germany — she is one of the organs of civilza- tion ; that she sometimes even outmarches Europe by the sublime audacity of her progress ; that she is the queen of an entire world ; and that she bears on her brow an immense light of freedom, we affirm that John Brown will not die, for we recoil, horror-struck, from the idea of so great a crime committed by so great a people. Of an Abolitionist. 107 "In a political light, the munler of Brown would be an irreparable fault. It would penetrate the Union with a secret fissure, which would in the end tear it asunder. It is possible that the execution of Brown might consolidate slavery in Vii^nia, but it is certain that it would convulse the entire American democracy. You preserve your shame, but you sacrifice your glory. " In amoral light, it seems to me that a portion of the light of humanity would be eclipsed — that even the idea of justice and injustice would be obscured on the day which should witness the assassination of emancipation by liberty. •' As for myself, though I am but an atom, yet being, as I am, in common with all other men, inspired with the consci- ence of humanity, I kneel in tears before the great starry banner of the New World, and with clasped hands, and with profound and filial respect, I imx>lore the illustrious American republic, sister of the French republic, to look to the safety of the universal moral law, to save Brown, to throw down the threatening scafifold of the 2nd of December. *♦ For — yes, let America know it, and ponder it well — there is something more terrible than Cain slaying Abel — it is Washington slaying Sparticus. " Hautville House, Dec. 2, 1859. io8 Recollections and Experiences ^ N THE JOHN BROWN SONG. BY KDNA A. P&OCTOB. John Brown died on the scafifold for the slave ; Dark was the hour when we dug his hallowed grave ; Now God avenges the life he gladly gave, — Freedom reigns to-day ! Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory, hallelujah, Glory reigns to-day ! , ' John Brown sowed, and his harvesters are we ; Honour to him who has made '-^he bondmen free ! Loved ever more shall our noble ruler be ; Freedom reigns to-day ! Glory, glory, hallelujah, &c. John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave; Bright, o'er the sod, let the starry banner wave ; Lo ! for the million he perilled all to save. Freedom reigns to-day ! T Glory, &c. John Brown's soul through the world is marching on; Hail to the hour when oppression shall be gone ! All men will sing, in the better ages' dawn. Freedom reigns to-day ! Glory, &c. John Brown dwells where the battle strife is o'er ; Hate cannot harm him, nor sorrow stir him more; Earth will remember the martyrdom he bore ; Freedom reigns to-day ! Glory, &c. Of an Abolitionist. 109 John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave ; John Brown lives in the triumphs of the brave ; John Brown soul not a higher joy can crave ; Freedom reigns to-day ! Glory, glory, hallelujah ! Glory, glory, hallelujah ! Glory, glory, hallelujah ! Freedom reigns to-day ! CAPTAIN BROWN'S LETTERS TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY DURING HIS IMPRISONMENT. Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va., October 31, 1859. My dear Wife and Children, Every One : I suppose you have learned before this, by the newspapers, that two weeks ago to-day we were fighting for our lives at Harper's Ferry ; that during the fight Watson was mortally wounded, Oli- ver killed, William Thompson killed, and Dauphin slightly wounded ; that on the following day I was taken prisoner, immediately after which I received several sabre cuts in my head, and bayonet stabs in my body. As nearly as I can learn, Watson died of his wound on Wednesday, the second, or on Thursday, the third day after I was taken. Dauphin was killed when I was taken, and Anderson, I suppose, also. I have since been tried, and found guilty of treason, &c., and of murder in the first degree. I have not yet received my sentence. No other of the company with whom you were acquainted were, so far as as I can learn, either killed or taken. Under all these terrible calamities, I feel quite cheer- ful in the assurance that God reigns, and will overrule all for His glory and the best possible good. I feel 7io consciousness of guilt in the matter, nor even mortification on account of my imprisonment and iron ; and I feel perfectly assured that very soon no member of my family will feel any possible dis- no Recollections and Experiences. position to "blush on my account." Already dear 'friends at a distance, with kindest sympathy, are cheering me with the assurance that poaterity at least will do me justice. I shall commend you all together, with my beloved, but bereaved, daughters-in-law, to their sympathies, which I have no doubt will soon reach you. I also commend you all to Him " whose mercy endureth forever" — to the Go ■. bestow on them to be lost to you, even though they may ^J3 x i black as Ebedmelech, the Ethiopian «unuch, who cared for Jeremiah in the pit of the dungeon, or as black as the one to whom Philip preached Christ. Be sure to entertain strangers, for thereby some 'have " Remem- ber them that are in bonds, as bound with them." I am in charge of a jailer like the one who took charge of " Paul and Silas ;" and you may rest assured that both kind Jieatig and kind faces are more or less about me, whilst thousands are thirsting for my blood. " These light afflictions, which are but foi a moment, shall work out for us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." I hope to be able to write to you again. My wounds are doing weU. Copy this, and jsend it to your sorrow-stricken brothers, to comfort them. Write me a few words in regard to the welfare of all. God Almighty bless you all, and make you " joyful in the midst of all your tribulations." Write to John Brown, Charlestown, Va., care of Captain John Avis. Your affectionate husband and father, John Brown. November 3, 1859. P. S. — Yesterday, November 2, I was sentenced to be hanged on December 2nd next. Do not grieve on my account. I am still quite cheerful. God bless you. Yours ever, John Brown. Of an Abolitionist III Charlestown, Jbitfkkhon Co., Va., 8th November, 1859. Dear Wife and Children — Every One : I will begin by say- ing that I have in some degree recovered from my wounds, . but that I am quite weak in my back, and sore about my left kidney. My appetite has been quite good for most of the time since I was hurt. I am supplieil with almost every thing I could desire to make me comfortable, and the little I do lack (some articles of clothing, which I lost) I may perhaps soon get again. I am, besides, quite cheerful, having (as I irust) the peace of God, which "passeth all understanding," to " rule in my heart," and the testimony (in some degree) of a good conscience that I have not lived altogether in vain. I can trust God with both the time and the manner of my death, believing, as I now do, that for me at this time to seal my testimony (for God and humanity) with my blood, will do vastly more towards advancing the cause I have earnestly endeavoured to promote, than all I have done in my life before. I beg of you all meekly and quietly to submit to this; not feeling yourselves in the least degraded on that account. Bemember, dear wife and children all, that Jesus of Nazareth suffered a most excruciating death on the cross as a felon, under the most aggravating circumstances. Think, also, of the prophets, and apostles, and Christians of former days, who went through greater tribulations than you or I ; and (try to) be reconciled. May God Almighty comfort all your hearts, and soon wipe away all tears from your eyes. To him be endless praise. Think, too, of the crushed millions who "have no comforter." I charge you all never (in your trials) to forget the griefs of " the poor that cry, and of those who have none to help them." 1 wrote most earnestly to my dear and afflicted wife not to come on for the present at any rate. I will now give her my reasons for doing so. First, it would use up all the scanty means she has, or is at all likely ^0 have, to make herself and children comfortable hereafter. For let me tell you that the sympathy that is now aroused in your behalf may not always follow you. There is but little 112 Recollections and Experiences more of the romantic about trying to relieve poor " niggers.'* Again, the little comfort it might afford ua to meet again would be dearly bought by the pains of a final separation. We must part, and, I feel assured, for us to meet under such dreadful circumstances would only add to our distress. If she came on here, she must be only a gazing stock throughout the whole journey, to be remarked upon in every look, word, and action, and by all sorts of creatures, and by all sorts of papers throughout the whole country. Again, it is my most decided judgment that in quietly and submissi^ ely staying at home, vastly more of generous sympathy will reach her, without such dreadful sacrifice of feeling as she must put up with if she comes on. The visits of one or two female friends that have come on here have produced great excitement, which is very annoymg, and they cannot possibly do me any good. O Mary, do not come ; but patiently wait for the meeting (of those who love God and their fellow-men) where no separation must follow. * ' They shall go no more out forever. " I greatly long to hear from some one of you, and to learn any thing that in any way affects your welfare. I sent you ten dollars the other day. Did you get it ? I have also endeavoured to stir up Christian friends to visit and write to you in your deep affliction. I have no doubt that some of them, at least, will heed the call. Write to me, care of Captain John Avis, Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va. *' Finally, my beloved, be of good comfort." May all your names be " written on the Lamb's book of life " — may you all have the purifying and sustaining influence of the Christian religion — is the earnest prayer of your affectionate husband and father. John Brown. P. S. — I cannot remember a night so dark as to have hin- dered the coming day, nor a storm so furious or dreadful as to prevent the return of warm sunshine and a cloudless sky. But, beloved ones, do remember that this is not your rest, that in this world you have no abiding place or continuing city. To God and his infinite mercy I always commend you. November 9. J. B. ! • Of an Abolitionist, 113 LBTTEE TO HIS WIIX Chablkstown, Jefperson Co., Va., November 12, 1869. My dear Wife : Your most welcome letter of the 13th in* stant I got yesterday. I am very glad to learn from yourself that you feel so much resigned to your circumstances, so much confidence in a wise and good Providence, and such composure of mind in the midst of all your deep afflictions. This is **just 124 Recollections and Experiences .a pistol, and pocket-compass, for the journey- to the Ohio. When Tie took the pistol in his hand, I charged him not to use it except to pre- vent his capture. He grasped the pistol like a vice, and said, " Massa, I'll get to Cincinnati, if I am not killed." I then asked him if any of the other slaves were capable of undertaking the journey. He replied, " No, massa ; they are bad niggers ; don't you trust dem." I advised him to work on faithfully until Saturday night — it was now Wednesday — and to make every prepara- tion to leave at midnight on that day, and to travel by night only. I told him I should go direct to Covington on Friday, and would en- deavour to liberate his wife ; that, if I succeeded, he would find her at the house of thcisame friend in Cincinnati, whose address I had given him. I advised him to carry with him as much food as possible, so as to avoid exposure while on his journey. Poor Peter was nearly wild with his prospects so much so, indeed, that I urged him to repress his feelings, for fear his conduct would be noticed by his mistress, who had imbibed a particular dislike to Peter since his separation from his wife. Mrs. B told me he was a wicked nigger ; that ever since Mr. B had sold the galy Peter had looked gloomy and revengeful ; that she hated him. Mrs. B thought Peter had no rights, not even the right Of an Abolitionist. 125 to sorrow, when his wife was torn from him, and sold to a stranger. Id a On Thursday, Mr. B returned. He had been unsuccessful in obtaining the deeds, and told me that his lawyers in Louisville, were willing I should have every facility to examine them in their office, if I pleased ; but, as they held a small mortgage on the property, they were unwilling to permit the deeds to go out of their possession. This was very satisfactory, and afforded me an opportunity to get away without creating suspicion. During the night, previous to my departure, I obtained an inter- view with Peter, and reiterated my injunctions to be brave, cautious, and persevering, while on the journey ; and again impressed upon his memory my instructions. Poor fellow! his eyes filled with tears when I told him I was going direct to Covington next day, and should try and free his wife. When I bid him good-bye, he frantically kissed my hand, saying, " Tell Polly I'll be dere, sure. Tell her to wait for me." Oh! what a vile, wicked institution was that which could make merchandize of such a man as stood before me ! Yet, monstrous and cruel as it was, it had its apologists and abettors in the North ; whilst from every pulpit in the 126 Recollections and Experiences Slave States went forth the declaration, that " slavery was a wise and beneficent institution, devised by God for the protection of an inferior .race." On Friday morning I left, ostensibly for Louisville, but went to Covington, which place I reached on the following day. I had no diffi- culty in finding the hotel, Peter having given me the name of Polly's owner. It was a poorly kept hostelry ; the proprietor evidently had no knowledge of hotel-keeping. I however took quarters with him, and found him a very com- municative man. He informed me he had been a farmer until within a year past, but finding that farming on a small scale was unprofitable, he had sold out, and bought this hotel. He was the owner of two negroes, a man and woman ; "the gal was likely ^ but mighty spunky." He had paid twelve hundred dollars for her to Mr. B , near Harrodsburg. He wanted her to *' take up" with his negro boy, but she refused. He had threatened to send her to New Orleans for sale, if she would not obey him. He reckoned she would be glad to " take up" with him before long: a good whipping generally brought them to their senses. He knew how to manage such. The gal would bring sixteen hundred or two thousand dollars in New Orleans, because she was likely. Of an Abolitionist 127 Before retiring that night, I requested the land- lord to send to my room some warm water for a bath. In less than half an hour, the water was placed in my room by a bright, intelligent, straight-haired mulatto girl, apparently twenty years of age. As soon as she entered the room, I directed her to close the door, and said in a whisper, "Are you Polly, from Harrodsburg .?" She looked at me with a frightened look, "Yes, massa, I is," she said. I told her I had seen her husband, Peter, and that he intended to run away from his master on Sunday night ; that I had friends in Cincinnati where he was going, who would secret him until she could join him, when they would both be sent to Canada. She stood like a statue, while I was talking. I directed her to get ready to meet me on the following night, at twelve o'clock, in front of the post office'; that I should leave the hotel in the morning and make preparations to have her taken across the river to the Ohio shore. She was so much lamazed that for a moment she was unable to speak ; at last she said, " Please, massa; tell me it over again." I repeated my instructions as rapidly as possible for fear I should be interrupted ; and warned her against betraying herself by any outward expres- sion of her feelings. When I concluded, she said, "Oh, massa, I'll pray to God for you — I'll be dere sure." She then left the room. Next 128 Recollections and Experiences morning I delayed coming down to breakfast until after the regular breakfast was over, hoping to obtain another opportunity of charging her memory with the instructions already given^ I was fortunate — she served the table. When I was leaving the table, I said to her, *^To-ni^ht, at twelve o'clock, sure.'' She replied in a whisper, "God will help me, massa. Til try to." After breakfast, I went to Cincinnati and with the aid of friends, made arrangements to cross to Covington at eleven o'clock that night. I.IBERATION OF THE WIFE. On Sunday evening, shortly before midnight, I crossed the river in a small boat with two good assistants. Leaving them in charge of the boat, I reached the post office a few minutes before twelve. I waited patiently for nearly half an hour, when at a distance of several hundred yards from where I stood, I observed a female hastily approaching. I went up to her, and directed her to follow me without speaking. I turned down a dark street, leading to the river. We had made but little progress before we were stopped by a night watchman, who said, "Where are you going V I replied by putting a dollar in his hand and saying, it's all right. He became oblivious, and passed on his beat, greatly to my Of an Abolitionist. 129 peace of mind. We soon reached the boat, and left the Kentucky shore. FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM. In a short time we were safe across the Ohio, and placing my charge in a cab which I had ready for the purpose, we drove rapidly up into the city within a few blocks of the house of a friend. I then dismissed the cab, and we wended our way on foot through several streets, until we reached the house. We were admitted, and received the kind attention of our generous and liberty-loving host. Poor Polly, who had never before been treated with such kindness, said to me : " Massa, is I free now.-*" I told her she was now free from her master ; and that, as soon as her husband arrived, they both would be sent to Cleveland, where I would meet them, and help them across to Canada, where they would be as free as the whites. Bidding her and my kind hearted friend good-by, I took the first train on Monday morning for Cleveland. Thence I drove a few miles into the country to the house of an abolitionist, where I awaited the news of Peter's arrival in Cincinnati. On Friday morning of the week following his escape, I received a letter informing me that Peter had arrived safely, and that the meeting of husband and wife was 1 30 Recollections and Experiences most affecting. On Monday evening following^ I received another letter stating that freight car No. 70s, had been hired to convey a box con- taining one " package of hardware," and one of "dry goods," to Cleveland. The letter also con- tained the key of the car. The train containing this particular car was to leave Cincinnati on* Tuesday morning, and would reach Cleveland,, sometime during the evening of the same day. I had but a short time consequently to make preparations to convey the fugitives across the lake. A KENTUCKIAN IN SEARCH OF HIS CHATTEL.. On Tuesday morning, the friend with whom T had been stopping, drove me into Cleveland. As we passed the American House, I caught sight of my Kentucky host standing in front of the hotel. He did not observe me, however, and we continued our way to the lake shore. My^ friend kindly returned to make the acquaintance of the Kentuckian, and learn the object of his visit to Cleveland, while I sought for a esse! bound for Canada. I found a scho-^ oading for Port Stanley, Canada. The ( Jtain said they would !rave as soon as the wind \v«is favour- able. I was glad to learn that he was a free- mason, and confided to him my secret. The result was, his agreement to. secrete the fugitives Of an Abolitionist 131 on his vessel, and carry them t6 Canada. I then returned to a certain locality agreed upo with my friend, who informed me that he had made the acquaintance of the Kcntuckian, who felt very sore over the loss of his slave ; but expressed no suspicion that I was implicated in her escape. He said he was having posters printed, offering a reward of five hundred dollars for the capture of the "gal." Toward night, I returned to the city, and, at the freight office of the railroad, I ascertained that the train con- taining car 705, would be in at 10 p.m. When the train arrived, I found the car ; and my faithful friend brought his carriage as near as he could safely, without attracting attention, I unlocked the door of the car, and entered. Not the slightest sign of life was apparent in the car. I called in a low voice : " Peter.'* A voice replied " Yes, massa, shall I open the box V The two poor creatures were in a box, sufficiently large to permit them to sit upright. I helped them out of the box, and making sure that no stranger was near, opened the door of the car, and led them quickly to the carriage. We then drove rapidly to the lake, and secreted the fugitives in the vessel. I remained with the fugitives, having decided not to leave until they were safe in Canada. 132 Recollections and Experiences MAN AND WIFE SAFE IN CANADA. After midnight, the wind being favourable, we sailed for the land of freedom. We had a rough and tedious voyage, and did not reach Canada until near night on the following day. When our vessel was safely moored alongside the pier, I led my two companions on shore, and told them they were now in a land where freedom was guaranteed to all. Two happier beings I never saw. Next day I took them to London, and obtained situations for both Peter and his wife. I succeeded also in enlisting the kinH interest of several prominent persons in Iheir behalf. REFUGEES IN CANADA. I spent the next three months in Canada, visiting those refugees in whom I had taken a personal interest. I found six in Chatham, two in London, four in Hamilton, two in Am- herstburgh, and one in Toronto — fifteen in all ; while several had gone from Canada to New England. It afforded me great satisfaction to find them sober, industrious members of society. It has often been remarked by both Canadians and visitors from the States, that the negro refugees in Canada were superior specimens of their race. The observation is true; for none Of an Abolitionist. 133 but those possessing superior qualities could hope to reach Canada. The difficulties and dangers of the route, and the fact that they were often closely pursued for weeks by human foes and by blood-hounds, required the exercise of rare qualities of mind and body. Their route would often lay through dismal swamps inhabited only by wild animals and poisonous reptiles. Sometimes the distance between the land of bondage and freedom was several hun- dreds of miles, every mile of which had to be traversed on foot. It is, indeed, surprising that so large a number of fugitives succeeded in reaching Canada, considering the obstacles they had to contend with on their long and danger- ous journey. NUMBER OF REFUGEES IN CANADA. The number of refugee negroes in Canada, at the outbreak of the Slaveholders' Rebellion, was not far short of fort)'- thousand. Probably more than half of them were manumitted slaves who, in consequence of unjust laws, were com- pelled to leave the States where they were manumitted. Many of these negroes settled in the Northern States, but the greater portion of them came to Canada. 'I ll ii ll ■ .1 i;;;i 134 Recollections and Experiences CRUELTY AND INJUSTICE OF THE FUGITIVE. SLAVE LAW. When the Fugitive Slave Law was enacted in 1850, it carried terror to every person of African blood, in the Free States. Stung with hopeless despair, more than six thousand Christian men and women fled from their homes, and sought refuge under the flag of Britain in Canada. In the words of Charles Sumner : — " The Free States became little better than a huge outlying plantation, quivering under the lash of the overseer; or rather they were a diversified hunting ground for the flying bondman, resounding always with the 'halloo' of the hunts* man. There seemed to be no rest. The chase was hardly finished at Boston, before it broke out at Philadelphia, Syra- cuse, or Buffalo, and then again raged furiously over the prairies of the west. Not a case occurred which did not shock the conscience of the country, and sting it with anger. The records of the time attest the accuracy of this statement." Perhaps there is no instance in history where human passion showed itself in grander forms of expression, or where eloquence lent all her gifts more completely to the demands of liberty, than the speech of Theodore Parker, (now dead and buried in a foreign land), denouncing the capture of Thomas Simms, at Boston, and invoking the judgment of God and man upon the agents in this wickedness. This great effort cannot be for- gotten in the history of humanity. But every case pleaded with an eloquence of its own, until at last one of those tragedies occurred which Of an Abolitionist. 135 In darken the heavens, and cry out with a voice that will be heard. It was the voice of a mother standing over her murdered child. Margaret Garner had escaped from slavery with three children, but she was overtaken at Cincinnati. Unwilling to see her offspring returned to the shambles of the South, this unhappy person, described in the testimony as "a womanly, amiable, affectionate mother," determined to save them in the only way within her power. With a butcher knife, coolly and deliberately, she took the life of one of the children, described as " almost white, and a little girl of rare beauty," and attempted, without success, to take the life of the other two. To the preacher who interro- gated her, she exclaimed : " The child is my own, given me of God to do the best a mother could in its behalf. I have done the best I <:ould : I would have done more and better for the rest : I knew it was better for them to go home to God than back to slavery." But she was restrained in her purpose. The Fugitive Slave Act triumphed, and after the determi- nation of sundry questions of jurisdiction, this devoted historic mother, with the two children that remained to her, an^ the dead dody of the little one just emancipated, was escorted by a national guard of armed men to the doom of slavery. But her case did not end with this 13^ Recollections and Experiences li I revolting sacrifice. So long as the human heart is moved by human suffering, the story of this mother will be read with alternate anger and grief, while it is studied as a perpetual witness to the slaveholding tyranny which then ruled the Republic with execrable exertions, destined at last to break out in war, as the sacrifice of Virginia by her father is a perpetual witness to the decemviral tyranny which ruled Rome. But liberty is always priceless. There are other instances less known in which kindred wrong has been done. Every case was a tragedy — under the forms of law. Worse than poisoned bowl or dagger was the certificate of a United States commissioner — who was allowed, without interruption, to continue his dreadful trade. EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. When I reflect upon the dangers that sur^ rounded me during that stormy period, I feel and acknowledge my indebtedness to God for His protection. and support during my labours in behalf of the oppressed people of the Southern States ; and, although the results of my efforts were insignificant in comparison to what I hoped to accomplish when I .began the work. I still rejoice that I was enabled to accomplish what I did, for the poor and despised coloured people of the Slave States. !l!i] Of an Abolitionist. lyj^ THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1860. During no previous Presidential election, (ex- cept that of 1856, when Fremont and Buchanan were the candidates), was there so much excite- ment on the slavery question as that of i860, when Lincoln, Breckinridge, Bell, and Douglas were the candidates. To enable my readers to form a correct opinion of the political positions occupied by the differ- ent candidates towards the institution of slavery, I give below the "Slavery Plank of each Platform'* on which the presidental candidates went before the people for their suffrages : — REPUBLICAN NATIONAL (LINCOLN) PLATFORM. Adopted at Chicago, i860. Hesolved, That we, the clelegateil representatives of the Republican electors of the United States, in Convention assembled, in discharge of the duty we owe to our constituents- and our country, unite in the following declarations : — 1. That the history of the nation, during the last four years, has fully established the propriety and necessity of the organ- ization and perpetuation of the Republican party, and that the causes which called it into existence are permanent in their nature, and now, more than ever before, demand its- peaceful and constitutional triumph. 2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of Independence and embodied in the Federal 138 Recollections and Experiences Constitution, " That all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights ; that Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these.rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their Just powe;rs from the consent of the governed," is essential to the preservation of our Republican institutions ; and that the Federal Constitution, the Rights of Jthe States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved. nil 7. That the new dogma, that the Constitution, of its own force, carries Slavery into any or all of the Territories of the United States, is a dangerous political heresy, at variance with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, with XM>ntemporaneou8 exposition, and with legislative and judicial precedent ; is revolutionary in its tendency, and subversive of -th» peace and harmony of the country. 8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the United States is that of freedom; That as our Republican fathers, when they had abolished Slavery in all our national territory, ordained that "no person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law," it (becomes our duty, by legislation, whenever such legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of the Constitution otgainst all attempts to violate it ; and we deny the authority of Congress, of a territorial legislature, or of any individuals, to give legal existence to Slavery in any Territory of the United States. 9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African rslave-trade, under the cover of our national flag, aided by perversions of judicial power, as a crime against humanity and a burning shame to our country and age ; and we call 4ipon Congress to take prompt and efficient measures for the .total and final suppression of that execrable traffic. Of an Abolitionist. 139 :national democratic (Douglas) platform. Adopted at Charleston and Baltimore, 1800. 1. liemlved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Con- vention assembled, hereby declare our affirmance of the follow- ing resolutions : — Hetfolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to •defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, and revo- lutionary in their effect. Resolved, That it is in accordance with the true interpreta- i;ion of the Cincinnati Platform, that, during the existence of .the Territorial Governments, the measure of restriction, what- ever it may be, imposed by the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislature over the subject of the 4lomestic relations, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be, finally determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, shall be respected by all gooil citizens, and enforced with promptness and fidelity by every branch of the General •Government. l^ATIONAL DEMOCRATIC (BRECKENRIDGE) PLATFORM. Adofted at Charleston and Baltimore, 1860. Remlved, That the Platform adopted by the Democratic jparty at Cincinnati be affirmed, with the following explanatory Resolutions : — 1. That the Government of a Territory organizeil by an Act •of Congress, is provisional and temporary ; and during its «xistence, all citizens of the Unitetl States have an equal right to settle with their property in the Territory, without their Tights, either of person or property, being destroyed or dmpaireil by Congressional or Territorial legislation. 140 Recollections and Experiences 2. That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all it» departments, to protect, when necessary, the rights of persona and property in the Territories, and wherever else its consti-^ tutional authority extends. 3. That when the settlers in a Territory having an adequate^ population, form a State Constitution, in pursuance of lawv the right of sovereignty commences, and, being consummated, by admission into the Union, they stand on an equal footing with the people of other States ; and the State thus organized ought to be admitted into the Federal Union, whether its- Constitution prohibits or recognizes the institution of Slavery. 5. That the enactments of State Legislatutes to defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave I^aw are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, and revolutioiaary in their eflfect. CONSTITUTIONAL UNION (BELL-EVERETT) PLATFORM. Adopted at Baltimore, 18G0. ^yl^e■>'ean, Experience has demonstrated that Platforms adopted by the partisan conventions of the country have had the effect to mislead and deceive the people, and at the same time to widen the political divisions of the country, by the creation and encouragement of geographical and sectional, parties ; therefore, liesolvcd, That it is both the part of patriotism and of duty to recoipuze no political principle other than the Constitution OF THE Country, the Union of the States, and the En» roEOEMENT OF THE Laws, and that as representatives of the Constitutional Union men of the country in National Conven- tion assembled, we hereby pledge ourselves to obtain, protect, and defend, separately and unitedly, these great principles of public liberty and national safety, against all enemies at home and abroad, believing that thereby peace may once more be Of an Abolitionist. 141 restored to the country, the rights of the People and of the States re-established, and the Government again placed in that condition of justice, fraternity, and equality, which under the example and constitution of our fathers, has solemnly bound every citisen of the United States to maintain 9, more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tran- quility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. ELECTORAL VOTE, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OP 18G0. For Lincoln and Hamlin 180 For Breckenridge and Lane 72 For Bell and Everett 39 For Douglas and Johnson '. 12 Whole Electoral Vote 303 Lincoln's majority over all 57 As soon as the election returns showed con- clusively that Lincoln would be the next presi- dent, public meetings were held in the city of Charleston and other places in the State of South Carolina, at which resolutions were adopted in favour of the Secession of the State from the Union. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. Done in Convention, December 24, 1860. Tlie State of South Carolina, having determined to resume her separate and equal place among nations, deems it due to herself, to the remaining United States of America, and to the nations of the world, that she should declare the causes which have led to this act. /.I 142 Recollections and Experiences We. affirm that these ends for which this government wa» instituted have been defeated, and the government itself haa been made destructive of them by the action of the nonle utterances and acts of some of your own political leaders and people are quite overlooked. Besides, you cannot ex- pect the sympathy of the Christian world in your behalf, while you display such an utter disregard for the rights and liberties of your own citizens, as I witnessed in this city yesterday." Mr. Lincoln asked to what I alluded } I re- plied, " A United States Marshal passed through Washington, yesterday, having in his charge a coloured man, whom he was taking back to Vir- ginia under your Fugitive Slave Law. The man had escaped from his master — who is an open rebel — and fled to Wilmington, Delaware, where he was arrested, and taken back into slavery." 1 50 Recollection sand Experiences After dinner, Mr. Lincoln led mc to a window, distant from the rest of the party, and said, " Mr. Sumner sent for you at my request. We need a confidential person in Canada to look after our interests, and keep us posted as to the schemes of the Confederates in Canada. You have been strongly recommended to me for the position. Your mission shall be as confidential as you please. No one here but your friend Mr. Sumner and myself, shall have any knowledge of your position. Your communications may be sent direct to mc, under cover to Major . Think it over to-night ; and if you can accept the mission, come up and see me at nine o'clock to-morrow morning." When I took my leave of him, he said, " I hope you will decide to serve us.** The position thus offered, was one not suited to my tastes ; but, as Mr. Lincoln appeared very desirous that I should accept it, I concluded to lay aside my prejudices, and accept the responsi- bilities of the mission. I was also persuaded to this conclusion by the wishes of my friend Mr, Sumner. THE PRESIDENT AN ABOLITIONIST. At nine o'clock next morning, I waited upon the President, and announced my decision. He Of an Abolitionist. i:;! grasped my hand in a hearty manner, and said : " Thank you ; thank you ; I am glad of it." I said : "Mr. Lincoln, if the object of your Govern- ment is the liberation from bondage of the poor slaves of the South, I should feel justified in accepting any position where I could best serve you ; but when I see so much tenderness for that vile institution and for the interests of slaveholders, I question whether your efforts to •crush the rebellion will meet with the favour of Heaven." He replied : "I sincerely wish that all men were free ; and I especially wish for the complete abolition of slavery in this country ; "but my private wishes and feelings must yield to the duties of my position. My first duty is, to maintain the integrity of the Union. With that object in view, I shall endeavour to save it, either with or without slavery. I have always been an anti-slavery man. Av/ay back in 1839, when I was a member of the Legislature of Illinois, I presented a resolution asking for the emancipation of slavery in the District of Columbia, when, with but few exceptions, the popular mind of my State was opposed to it. If the institution of slavery is destroyed, and the slaves set free, as a result of this conflict which the slaveholders have forced upon us, I shall rejoice as heartily as you. In the mean- time, help us to circumvent the machinations 152 Recollections and Experiences of the rebel agents in Canada. There is no- doubt they will use your country as a communi- cating link with Europe, arid also with their friends in New York. It is quite possible also that they may make Canada a base, to harass and annoy our people along the frontier." After a lengthy conversation relative to pri- vate matters connected with my mission, I rose to leave, when he said : " I will walk down to Willards with you : the hotel is on my way to the Capitol, where I have an engagement at noon." OFFICE SEEKERS. 11 I Before we reached the hotel, a man came up to the President, and thrust a letter into his hand, at the same time applying for some office in Wisconsin. I saw that the President, tvas offended at the rudeness, for he passed the letter back without looking at it, saying : " No, sir! I am not going to open shop here." This, was said in a most emphatic manner, but accom- panied by a comical gesture, which caused the rejected applicant to smile. As we continued our walk, the President spoke of the annoy- ances incident to his position, saying : " These office-seekers are a curse to this country. No sooner was my election certain, than I became Of an Abolitionist. 155 the prey of hundreds of hungry, persistent applicants for office, whose highest ambition is. to feed at the government crib." When he bid me good-bye, he said : *' Let me hear from you once a week at least." As he turned to leave me, a young army officer stopped him, and made some request, to which the President replied with a good deal of humour : " No ; I can't do that; I must not interfere : they would scratch my eyes out, if I did. You must go to the proper department." As I watched the President wending his way towards the Capitol, I was deeply impressed with the dreadful responsibility that rested upon him! The hopes of millions of Republicans throughout the world were fixed upon him ; while twenty millions of his own people looked to him for the salvation of the Republic, and four millions of poor down-trodden slaves in the South looked to him for freedom. Mr. Lincoln was no ordinary' man. He had a quick and ready perception of facts, a retentive memory, and a logical turn of mind, which patiently and unwaveringly followed every link in the chain A thought on every subject which he investigated. He was honest, temperate, and forgiving. He was a good man — a man of 154 Recollections and Experiences noble and kindly heart. I never heard him speak unkindly of any man ; even the rebels received no word of anger from him. CONFEDERATES IN CANADA. Immediately upon my arrival in Montreal, I sought opportunities to become acquainted with the names, habits, and occupations of the various •Confederates in Canada. The principal Confederate agent in Canada at that time, was Jacob Thompson, an ex-mcmber of Buchanan's administration, whose contempt- ible conduct, while a member of the Govern- ment, in warning the rebels of Charleston of the sailing of the steamer " Star of the West," with provisions for the besieged garrison at Fort Sumpter, furnishes a good index to his character. The plots and schemes devised by him and his subordinates to furnish the rebels Avith clothing, boots and shoes, &c., via Nassau, Cuba, and to keep open a channel of communication with the Confederate States, kept me continually on the ^ui vive to frustrate their designs. There prevailed in Canada at this period a very strong and active sympathy for the Con- federates. Indeed, I may say, that among s Of an Abolitionist 155 the wealthy and influential classes, there were few but what wished for the success of the slaveholders, and the consequent disruption of the Union. This was not from any love for slavery, but rather a reflex of the sympathy manifested by the higher classes in England, for the Confederacy. To overcome this prejudice against the Northern cause, and awaken kindly sympathies for the people of the Free States in their contest ivith slavery, was the object •of my earnest efforts. To assist me in accom- plishing that purpose, I brought before the Canadian people, the claims of the Sanitary 'Commission of the United States Army, an organization that excited the generous impulses of Christians of all denominations and classes. The Montreal Daily Witness^ in alluding to this subject says : — "The United States Sanitary Commission has opened branches in three of the European Capitals, London, Paris, and Berlin ; and from the i.ondon branch alone, a large amount of pecuniary aid has been remitted. Dr. A. M. Ros? has opened iinother branch in this city. We know of no agency more likely to awaken kindly feelings here, towards the United States than this. Dr. Ross informs us, indeed, that this is the object of the Commission, in forming their foreign branches which give an opportunity of circulating information which may remove prejudice, and of receiving benefits and awakening kindly sympathies for the sick and trounded soldiers. " 156 Recollections and Experiences SURGICAL AID. On several occasions during the progress of the war, I obeyed the call of the Government for extra surgical aid, especially on the battle fields of South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Antietam, and Gettysburgh, and also during the terribly destructive contest in the Wilderness. It was particularly gratifying to me to hear the Union soldiers, as they gathered round their camp fires, singing the stirring "John Brown Song." And as regiment after regiment caught up the inspiring tune, and the air for miles, around was filled with the shout, that "John Brown's soul through the workl is inarching on," I felt that " John Brown's soul not a higher joy coukl crave" than the success of the armies of freedom in their contest with the slaveholders. REBEL POSTAL SERVICE. Toward the close of 1862, I received informa- tion that a regular system of postal service was. in operation between the Confederate States and Europe, via Canada. Diligently and earnestly I sought for a clue, week after week passed, but Of an Abolitionist. 157 nothing was discovered. I placed detectives on all the trains entering or leaving Montreal, with instructions to closely watch every stranger, •especially those of Southern aspect. All these efforts, however, proved unsuccessful. I finally concluded to go to Detroit, and insti- tute enquiries in that section. With that object in view, I sent for a cabman (one that I regu- larly employed), to convey me to the depot for the 9 p.m. train west, he came to inform me that it would be impossible for him to drive me that night, as he was obliged to take a woman from Laprairie to Champlain, a small village in the State of New York, not far from the boundary line between Canada and the United States, He said he had a brother living at Laprairie, who was regularly employed to carry this woman once a fortnight from Laprairie to Champlain ; but that he was ill, and had sent for him to take his place. Some further questions from me elicited the fact that my cabman had on a previous occasion filled his brother's place, and carried this woman to Champlain. My suspicions were aroused. I felt confident that this woman had something to do with the Confederate postal service. I closely questioned him as to her appearance and habits, and ^ ^^1^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 11.25 ■^ liii |2.2 2.0 It! 140 1.4 I (.6 / Rhotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 \ 4 •SS <^ 'V^ o^ ^ Ss *l 158 Recollections and Experiences ostensible business, and. why she travelled im such an unusual manner, and by such a round- about route. I put these questions in such a way as not to excite suspicion in his mind as to- my object. The information I obtained from him was of such importance that I decided to- reach Champlain in advance of the cabman and his strange passenger. I consequently took the evening train to Rouse's Point, and from thence was driven in a carriage to Champlain. I engaged quarters at the principal hotel inf the village, and in a short time won the confidence of the talkative and consequential little landlord, who, on my referring to the woman in question, informed me that she was a. Mrs. "Williams," (an nlias^ no doubt,) an agent: of a religious tract society ; that she passed over this route from Canada about once a fortnight.. He, however, knew nothing about her, except that she professed to be a tract distributer,, travelling between Upper Canada and Boston- He finally remarked " I expect her here either to-night or to-morrow night, on her way to Boston. See always arrives here in the night.'* Securing a front bed-room, I was in a position to obser\'e whoever came down the road leading from Canada, as the hotel fronted the road^ T" Of an Abolitionist, 15^ Patiently I waited at the window from lo p.m till 3 a.m., looking out into the darkness. Shortly- after three o'clock, I heard the rumbling of an approaching carriage, and in a short time a cab- drove up ; and I saw my Montreal cabman alight and open the door of the carriage, from which a woman, closely muffled, stepped, and entered the house. She was placed in a room on the oppo- site side of the hall to the one I occupied. To prevent her leaving the house without my knowledge, I determined to remain awake the rest of the night. At six o'clock I saw the cab- man drive away towards Canada. At breakfast I sat vis-a-vis with the object of my search. She was a keen, intelligent woman of medium size, with black eyes and hair, about 45 years of a^e. She conversed quite freely, but. at times would check herself, betraying a startled half-frightened look. Her conversation was principally upon her experiences as an agent of a " Religious Tract Society." I learned from her conversation that it was her intention to go to Rouse's Point by the noon train. After breakfast, I telegraphed to a detective at the Point to meet me, on the arrival of the train, prepared to make an arrest. Before the train, reached the point, it slackened up, and a "^^mmmmmiim i6o Recollections and Experiences •detective officer came into the cars. I pointed out Mrs. Williams to him, and directed him to arrest her as soon as she stepped from the car, and prevent her from having any communication whatever with confederates. ARREST OF A REBEL MAIL CARRIER. As soon as the arrest was made, I directed the detective to take her to his residence and have her searched by his wife. Notwithstanding her protests and tears, Mrs. Williams had to submit to tins process, and with good results, for eighty-two letters were found sewed into her garments. Having telegraphed to the President the substance of the above facts, I received in- structions from him to hasten to Washington with the correspondence. Before leaving Rouse's Point I had an inter- view with the prisoner, and offered to secure her immediate release, provided she would disclose information, that I knew she possessed, relative to the rebel mail route from the Confederacy to Europe via Canada. She, however, positively refused, and declared that she would rather die in prison than disclose the secret. Having instructed the officer to keep her under arrest until he received further orders, !• Of an Abolitionist, i6i left for Washington. On my arrival there (about midnight), I went direct to the Executive man- sion, and sent my card to the President, who had retired to bed. In a few minutes the porter returned, and requested me to accompany him to the President's office, where, in a short time, Mr. Lincoln would join me. The room into which I was ushered, was the same in which I had spent several hours with the President on the occasion of my first interview with him. Scattered about the floor, and lying open on the table, were several military maps and documents indicating recent use. On the wall hung a picture of that noble friend of freedom, John Bright, of England. SECOND INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT LINCOLN. In a few minutes, the President came in, and welcomed me in the most friendly manner. I expressed my regret at disturbing him at such an hour. He replied in a good humoured manner, saying, " No, no ; you did right ; you may waken me up whenever you please. I have slept with one eye open ever since I came to Washington : I never close both, except when an office-seeker is looking for me." " I am. glad (referring to a letter I had sent htm) you are pleased with the Emancipation Proclamation ; 11 l62 Recollections and Experiences but there is work before us yet. We must make that Proclamation effective by victories over our enemies. It is a paper bullet after all, and of no account, except we can sustain it." I expressed my belief that God would aid the cause of the Union, now that justice had been done to the poor negro. He replied, " I hope so ! The suffering and misery that attends this conflict is killing me by inches. I wish it was over. REBEL DESPATCHES. I then laid before the President the "rebel mail." He carefully examined the address of each letter, making occasional remarks. At length he found one addressed to Franklin Pierce, ex-President of the United States, then residing in New Hampshire, and another to ex-Attorney General Gushing, a resident of Massachusetts. He appeared much surprised, and remarked with a sigh, buti without the slightest tone of asperity, " I will hav^e these letters enclosed in official envelopes, and sent to these parties." When he had finished examining the addresses, he tied up all those addressed to private individuals, say- ing, " I won't bother with them ; but these look like official letters : I guess I'll go through them now." He then opened theitt, and read their contents, slowly and carefully. i ii Of an Abolitionist, 163 While he was thus occupied, I had an excel- lent opportunity of studying this extraordinary man. A marked ^change had taken place in his countenance since my first interview with him. He looked much older, and bore traces of havirg passed through months of painful anxiety and trouble. There was a sad, serious look in his eyes that spoke louder than words of the disappointments, trials, and discouragements he had encountered since the war began. The wrinkles about the eyes and forehead were deeper ; the lips were firmer, but indicative of kindness and forbearance. The great struggle had brought out the hidden riches of his noble nature, and developed virtues and capacities which surprised his oldest and most intimate friends. He was simple, but astute : he pos- sessed the rare faculty of seeing things just as they are : he was a just, charitable, and honest man. REBELS IN NEW BRUNSWICK. Having finished reading a letter, he said ; " Read this (handing me ^ letter signed by the Confederate Secretary of State), and tell me what you think of it." The letter was addressed to the rebel envoy at the French Court, and stated that preparations were being made to invade the Eastern frontier of the United States II I 164 Recollections and Experiences in the vicinity of Calais, Maine. It also expressed the opinion that an attack in so unexpected a quarter would dishearten the* Northern people, and encourage the Democrats to oppose the continuation of the war. ► ^ I told the President that this confirmed the truth of information I had received several weeks previously, that the rebels were preparing to raid on some of the Eastern States from the British Provinces. He replied : " You had better go down to New Brunswick, and see what the rebels are up to. The information contained in the despatches I have read is of great import- ance. There are two despatches which I can- not read, as they are in cipher ; but I'll find some way to get at their contents." I then rose to go, saying that I would go to " Willard's," and have a rest. " No, no ;" said the President, " it is now three o'clock ; you shall stay with me while you are in town : I'll find you a bed," ; and, leading the way, he took me into a bedroom, saying : " Take a good sleep : you shall not be disturbed." Bidding me " Good-night/' he left the room to go back and pore over the rebel letters until daylight, as he afterwards told me. Of an Aholitionist MR. LINCOLN'S MISSION. 165 If ever an individual was raised up by the Almighty to perform a special service, that ^person was Abraham Lincoln. No parent could €vince a greater interest in the welfare of his family than he did for the safety and welfare of liis country. Every faculty he possessed was devoted to the salvation of the Union. "How humble, yet how hopeful he could be ; How in good fortune and in ill, the same ; Nor bitter in success, nor boastful he. Thirsty for gold, nor feverish for fame. He went about his work, such work as few Ever had laid on head, and heart, and hand, As one who kncws, where there's a task to do, Man's honest will must heaven's good grace command ; 80 he went forth to battle, on the side That he felt clear was Liberty's and Right's, As in his peasant boyhood he had plied His warfare with rude nature's thwarting mights. So he grew up a destined work to do ; And lived to do it : four long suffering years, 111 fate, ill feeling, ill report, livetl through, And then he heard the hisses change to cheers. The taunts to tributes, the abuse to praise. And took both with the same unwavering m'M)d." Taylor. HOSPITALITIES OF THE AVHITE HOUSE. I did not awake from my sleep until eleven o'clock in the forenoon, soon after which Mr. i66 Recollections and Experiences Lincoln came into my room, and laughingly said : "When you are ready, I'll pilot you down to breakfast," which he did ; and, seating him- self at the table near me, expressed his fears that trouble was brewing on the New Brunswick border ; that he had gathered further information on that point from the correspondence, which convinced him that such was the case. He was- here interrupted by a servant, who handed him a card ; uppn reading which he arose, saying, ** The Secretary of War has received important tidings, I must leave you for the present. Come to my room, after breakfast, and we'll talk over this New Brunswick affair." On entering his room, I found him busily en- gaged in writing, at the same time repeating in a low voice the words of a poem, which I remem- bered reading many years before. When he stopped writing, I asked him who was the author of that poem. He replied, " I do not know. I have written the verses down from memory, at the request of a lady who is much pleased with them." He passed the sheet, on which he had written the verses, to me, saying, "Have you ever read them ?" I replied that I had many years previously ; and that I should be pleased to have a copy of them in his handwritinjL when he had time and inclination for sucn work* Of an Abolitionist. 167 He said, "Well, you may keep that copy, if you wish." The following is the poem as written down by Mr. Lincoln : — QH ! WHY SHOULD THE SPIRIT OF MORTAL BE PROUD } Oh ! why should the spirit of mortal be proud ? Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast ilyiug cloud, A flash of the lightuing, a brake of the wave, He passeth from life to his rest iu the grave. The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade, Be scattered around and together be laid ; As the young and the old, the low and the high. Shall crumble to dust, and together shall lie. The infant a mother attended and loved : Tlie mother that infant's affection who proved ; The father, that mother and infant who blest — Each, all are away to that dwelling of rest. The maid, on whose brow, on whose cheek, in whose eye. Shone beauty and pleasure — her triumphs are by ; And alike from the minds of the living erased. Are the memories of mortals that loved her and praised. The hand of the king that the scei)tre hath Tx)me ; The brow of the priest that the mitre hath worn ; The eye of the sage, the heart of the brave, Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. • The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap ; The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep ; The beggar, whc "andered in search of his bread, Have faded away like the grass which we tread. i68 RicoUections and Experiences So the multitude goes, like the flower or the weed, That withers away to let others succeed ; So the multitude comes, even those we lichold, To repeat every tale that has often been told. For we are the same our fathers have been ; We see the same sights they often have seen ; We drink the same stream, we see the same sun. And run the same course our fathers have run. The thoughts we are thinking, our fathers did think ; From the death we are shrinking, our fathers did shrink ; To the life we are clinging, oui fathers did cling ; But it speeds from us all like the bird on the wing. They loved — but the story we cannot unfold ; They scorned— but the heart of the haughty is cold ; They grieved — but no wail from their slumbers will come. They joyed — but ■^he tongue of their gladness is dumb. They died ; ah ! they died. We, things that are now. That walk on the tui*f that lies over their brow, And make in their dwelling a transient abode, Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. Yea, hope au. acting on your own hook. You will be trans- ported from here to the front, and turned loose to find your way to Richmond as you best can. I will give you a note, directing officers of the United States to render you such aid as they can in forwarding you to and from our outposts." Having expressed my willingness to undertake the mission, he gave me a letter addressed to officers of the Army and Navy, saying : " It may be of service to you." I then left to make pre- parations for my journey to the Confederate Capital. BETWEEN THE TWO ARMIES. On the morning of the day following this interview, I was taken to the outposts of the Army of the Potomac. Bidding my friends farewell I started alone for the Confederate lines, carrying a small white flag. After less than an hour's walk, I perceived a rebel soldier lying upon the ground with his gun pointed directly at me. I waived my flag, and went towards him. When I came within fifty yards of him he commanded me to stop, and calling a comrade, they approached me, and demanded to know who I was, and where vtbm. Having 174 Recollections and Experiences -satisfied them that I was not a belligerent they led me, at my request, to their commander. This officer was Capt. Withers, of a Georgia regiment, who received me politely, and consented to for- ward me to the headquarters of the army. Having expressed his regret at the necessity of blindfolding m^ (which he proceeded to do), I was placed upon a horse, and guided by two cavalry soldiers, through what appeared to me an immense host of men, for nearly an hour. At length we reined up before a building, and I was assisted to dismount, and led into a wide hall where the bandage was removed, and I was told that I was at the headquarters of General Lee, INTERTIEW WITH GENERAL R. E. LEE. After a few minutes I was taken into a large room on the right of the hall, in which were several officers in uniform ; some writing and others engaged in conversation. The officer who introduced me announced my name, when an elderly gentleman approached me, saying, •** I am General Lee. I am told you desire to go to Richmond. What is the business that takes you there .^" This was said in a quiet gentle- manly manner^ which, together with his form, <:ostume, and^bearing, most favourably im- pressed me. r could not help regretting that Of an A boHtionist ^7S so noble an officer was engaged in so unjust and unrighteous a cause. I explained to him in as few Words as possible my object in desiring to reach Richmond. He listened attentively and respectfully to what I had to say ; and then called an orderly officer, and directed him to accompany me to Richmond, and introduce me to the Secretary of State. He then very kindly shook hands, and bid me good by. I was again blindfolded, and placed upon a horse. After riding for an hour the bandage was re- moved for the remainder of the journey, until we came to the outskirts of Richmond, when I was again blindfolded, and led through the streets, until we reached the Exchange Hotel, wtiere I was told to make myself comfortable. INTERVIEW \VITH JEFFERSON DAVIS AND SECRETARY BENJAMIN. On the following day an army officer called and informed me that he was directed to accompany me to the Department of State. On being ushered into the presence of Mr. Benjamin my first impression was, here is a smooth, oily, treacherous, cunning, and deceit- ful man. Such was my very first impression of the Confederate Secretary of State, which sub- sequent events proved to be correct. He asked me to be seated, and taking a chair directly in f 1/6 Recollections and Experiences, front of me, said, " Please state your business^ with the Government," which I did briefly, but fully. While I was talking, a door opened behind me, and some person quietly entered the room, and appeared to be listening to my inter- cession for the coloured soldiers. When I had concluded, Mr. Benjamin said : " We cannot entertain such a proposition, and Lincoln knew it before you left Washington." At this, point a pale, thin man (the one who entered the zoom during my explanation), approached me,, and in a quick, nervous, voice said : " Tell Mr. Lincoln that we cannot accord the right of exchange to our fugitive slaves who have: been armed and sent out to assassinate us. We will treat every coloured soldier we capture- as a fugitive slave. It is useless to discuss this, matter, Mr.. Benjamin ; and the gentleman had better be sent into the Union lines at once." Jef- ferson Davis (for it was he who had spoken,)- had changed greatly in appearance since I last saw him in the United States Senate: in 1850. He was much thinner, and had an anxious 'and careworn look. He 9poke with, energy, but the tone was bitter and full of hatred towards the North. Early next morning I was. conveyed to the outposts of the United States Army, opposite Fortress Monroe, and from, thence by steamer to Washington. Of an Abolitionist. RETURN TO WASHINGTON. ^77 Mr. Lincoln cordially welcomed me back, and expressed his gratitude for my services. When I informed him of the result of my mission, he said : " Well, if that is their determination, we shall have to wait until they become more reasonable. It's bad for our coloured boys. They must take care and not get captured." During my stay in Washington I was a guest of Mr. Lincoln's, and enjoyed many opportunities of studying the character of this extraordinary man. My love and admiration for him in- creased at every interview. He was always just, sincere, patient, charitable, and honest. PERSECUTION OF JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS. The cniel and unnecessary arrest of the Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, Consul General of the United States, at Montreal, for the alleged con- nivance at the kidnapping of one Redpath, was incited by the Confederate agents. Redpath had fled to Canada to escape punishment for murder committed during the draft riots in New York. A United States detective followed Red- path to Montreal, and arrested him. He was ironed, placed in a close carriage, and driven to 12 , 178 Recollections and Experiences the depo^, where he was guarded by an as- sistant, while the detective went to the United States Consulate, and told Mr. Giddings that he had arrested a man charged with murder in New York ; that he had complied with the require- ments of the extradition treaty. He requested Mr. Giddings to give him a letter to General Dix, advising compensation for the services of an assistant to convey Redpath to New York. Mr. Giddings, without ascertaining (for which he was in fault) whether all the formalities of the extradition treaty had been complied with, gave the detective a note to General Dix, in which he simply requested the General to remunerate the detective for the service of an assistant. I When the detective reached New York with his prisoner, Redpath obtained legal assistance, the result of which was, that the Canadian au- thorities demanded the return of Redpath to Canada. He was brought back and liberated. Then the Southern agents in Montreal took charge of this murderer, and induced him to prosecute Mr. Giddings. This was done to gratify their feelings of hatred toward a man who had for thirty years fought for the cause of human freedom. Of an Abolitionist. 179 HIS ARREST. Mr. Giddtngs was arrested on Sunday evening, while dining at the house of a friend. The arrest was made on a day and at an hour when it was hoped he would be unable to obtain bail, and consequently would have to lay in jail over night. Two prominent and wealthy citizens of Montreal, gave bonds for thirty thousand dollars for Mr. Giddings's appearance at the trial of the cause. Thus his enemies were baulked in their despicable attempt to throw an innocent old man into prison. Mr. Giddings was in poor health at the time this outrage was perpetrated ; and he fretted and grieved over it continually. After the rebel agents had used Redpath for their purpose, they cast him off. I concluded it was a propitious time to rid Mr. Giddings of Redpath and this vindictive persecution. I found the miserable creature, after considerable search, and prevailed upon him to withdraw the suit. He confessed that the Confederate agents in Montreal had instigated him to bring the action against Mr. Giddings. The anxiety and annoyance in- cident to this persecution hastened the death of this noble old standard-bearer of liberty. DEATH OF MR. GIDDINGS. He died suddenly while amusing himself with i8o Recollections and Experiences a game of billiards in the St. Lawrence HalL Only a few hours prior to his death he re- marked to me, while conversing upon national topics, " I have but one desire to live longer, and that is, to see the complete triumph of the cause to which I have given the energies of .my life. But I am Tready when the summons comes. I do not fear death." In Congress, Mr. Giddings stood shoulder to shoulder with John Quincy Adams, in resist- ing the tyrannical and despotic demands of the slave-drivers. On one occasion, while Mr. Giddings was addressing the House in behalf of freedom, a Southern member approached him with a bowie knife in his hand, and threatened to kill him on the spot, if he did not cease speak- ing. Mr. Giddings was immediately surrounded by his friends, and continued his speech, while the cowardly slaveholder sneaked back to his seat. For thirty years, both in and out of Congress, Mr. Giddings faithfully laboured to bring about the abolition of slavery ; and before he was called away from earth he was permitted to see the dawning of brighter and better days for his country. He was morally and physically a. brave man ; and espoused the cause of the slave Of an Abolitionist, i8i at a time when an abolitionist was despised and persecuted ; and he remained all his life a warm and true friend of the oppressed. He possessed a kind and genial nature, and wheii conversing upon the glory that he believed av.uited his country, when every human being whether black or white, should be in possession of the God- given right of freedom and equality, his counten- ance would glow with animation and joy. Few names will rank above his when the history of the long conflict with slavery is written down, and justice done to those who fought for freedom. The Montreal Daily Witness, in speaking of the death of Mr. Giddings, said : — a ve " One of the few men of any generation who are an object of attention to millioiiB, has just passed away from among us full of years, and of the respect of all who appreciate unwavering principle and courageous perseverance. JBorn in the Eastern States, hut emigrating at an early age to the extreme West, namely, the Western Reserve of Ohio, Mr. Giddings was brought "n in his youth as a backwoods-man. In early man- hood he studied law, and was sent to Congress just about the time when the rapidly-growing West began to be considered iis a power in the Union. "During a long Congressional career, Mr. Giddings was dis- tinguished for his desire of doing justice to the coloured race, and his unflinching atlvocacy of every measure that tended to that end. He was identified with the Constitutional anti- £lavery-meu of whom the Union has always contained a 1 82 Recollections and Experiatces remnant, and who have really constituted the salt of American politics. "He was an intimate friend and ardent admirer of ex<> President John Quincy Adams, "the old man el^^quent," who stood up almost alone for days to defend the right of petition then assailed by the slave-holders, who have since assailed the Union itself. "Mr. Giddings was (juite convinced of the approach of his. dissolution on Saturday last, when he handed to Dr. A. M. Ross, of this city, letters addressed to several officers of the Govennnent, that to Mr. Lincoln being very affectionate. That- evening he spoke of a presentiment that impressed him that his death was near, and added that he had no fear of death. " During this week he received from Mr. Secretary Chase, a. request that he would prepare an essay on the right of citizens- to recover from the Government damages for projjcrty destroyed in war. He wrote one paper taking strong grounds against the acknowledgment of such claims. This paper he requested Dr. Boss to read yesterday morning, that he night correct it,, and see that the infirmities of age were not visible in it." STEPS TOWARD EMANCIPATION. The following Acts and Proclamation indicate the progressive steps by which, in the end, com- plete emancipation was reached : — Attention is hereby called to an Act of Congress, entitled **An Act to make an. additional article of war," approved Mardi 13, 1862, and which Act is in the words and figures- following: — Be it enacted by the Semite ami House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled : T!ha,t hereafter the following shall be promulgated as an additional article of war, for the government of the army of the United States, and shall be obeyed and observed as such : Of an Abolitionist. isj Artklf. All officers t)r panons in the military or naval 8er< vice of the United States are prohibited from employing any of the forces nnder their respective commands for the purpose of returning fugitives from service or labour, who may have escaped from any persons to whom such la1x)ur is claimed to be due, and any officer who shall be found guilty by a court* martial of violatin>{ this article, shall be dismissed from the service. Sec. 2. And he it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect from and after its passage. Also, to the ninth and tenth sections of an Act entitled, "An Act to suppress insurrection, to punish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate the property of rebels, and for other purposes," approved July 17, 1862, and which sections are in the words and figures following : — Sfic. 9, And he it /urther enacted, That all slaves of persons who shall hereafter be engaged in rebellion against the Gov< emment of the United States, or who shall in any way give aid or comfort thereto, escaping from such persons, and tak- ing refuge within the lines of the army ; and all slaves cap* tured from such persons, or deserted by them, and coming under the control of the Govdmment of the United States ; and all slaves of such persons found on (or being within) any place occupied by rebel forces, and afterward occupietl by the forces of the United States, shall be deemed captures of war, and shall be forever free of their servitude, and not again held as slaves. Sec. 10. Ami tte it further enacted. That no slave escaping into any State, territory, or the District of Columbia, from any of the States shall be deliverevurd jjiialj. uk kkke." " Emampation Proclamation, January 1, 1863." 1 88 Recollections and Experiences THE REPUBLTCAN PLATFORM OF 1864 (LINCOLN AND JOHNSON). The National Convention which assembled at Baltimore on the 7th of June, 1864, and there nominated Abraham Lincoln for re-election as President, with Andrew Johnson as Vice-President, adopted and presented to the American people the following : — Jiesolved, That, as Slavery was the cause, and now consti- tutes the strength, of this rebellion, and as it must be always and everywhere hostile to the principles of Republican gov- ernment, justice and the national safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil of the Republic ; and that we uphold and maintain the acts and proclamation by which the Government, in its own defence, has aimed a death- blow at this gigantic evil. AVe are in favour, furthermore of such an amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in conformity with its provisions, as shall terminate and for ever i^rohibit the existence of Slavery within the limits of the jurisdiction of the T^' ' ed States. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS, MARCH 4, 1865. PfiLLOW-CoUNTRVMBN : At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a state- ment, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued seemed very fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and fjgrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The piogreas of our arms, upon which all else chieHy depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably sitisfautory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction with regard to it is ventured. Of ait Abolitionist. i89> On the occasion corresponding to this, four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it ; all sought to avoid it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this jjlace, devoted alto- gether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents- were in the city seeking to destroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide the effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war- rather than let the nation survive ; and the other would ac- cept rather than let it perish, and the war came. One-eighth of the whole population were coloured slaves,, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the- Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest, v/as the o1>ject for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the G-overmneut claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlarge- ment of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the- duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triiimph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God ; and each invokes the aid against the other. It may seem strange that any man should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces ;. tut let us judife not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both coiUd not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. * ' Woe tmto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come ; but woo to that man by whom the offence Cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of these offences, which, in the providence of God, must needs. 199 Recollections and Experiences ■come, but which, having continued through His appointed time. He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any depar- ture from those divuie attributes which the believers in a living Cxotl always ascribe to him ? Fondly do we hope, fer- 'i ently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may soon pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn M'iUi the lash, shall be paid with another drawn by the ■jsword ; as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." With malice toward none, with charity to all, with firm- ness in the right, as God gives us t.o see the right, let us strive -on to finish the work we ai'e in ; to bind up the nation's wounds ; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his ori)haus ; to do all which may ■achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves .and with all nations. The following amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified by vote of the Legislative Branches of the United States Government, February i, 1865 : — ARTICLE XIIL Sec. 1. Neither Slavery nor involuntary jservitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall h^ . c been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any iil.-'ce subject tr> their jurisdiction. SiiC, 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by yropriate legislation. CHAPTER II. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. HE following extracts from a few of the letters received by the Author during the great rebellion, are published with a view to illustrate the varied hopes and fears that ani- mated leading Abolitionists during the contest between freedom an^ slavery. Facsimiles of the autograph signatures of the writers are given. from horace greeley. Office of the Tribune, New York, May 19th, 1863. Since tlie outbreak of our terrible war, I have made it a rule to be rarely or ever away from our city for any distance. I should like very much to meet you and Mr. Giddings at Gerrit Smith's next week, but it is not possible for me. When this bloody conflict ends, I shall take a breathing spell ; then, I hope you will spend a month with me and we'll talk over the events of the past ten years in which you have borne so active and noble a part. Don't pass through New York without dropping in to see me. * * * Yours faithfully, 192 Recollections and Experiences from .secretary 8eward. Department of State, "Washingtox, June 4th, 1863. I tak'3 this occasion to renew my thanks for your solicit- CUB attention to the interests of this Government. * * » Your zeal merits the highest praise. Yours, very respectfully, iU. ' FROM JOSHUA R. 0IDDIN03. Montreal, October 13fch, 1S63. »**♦•* J fully agree with you, my clear friend, that any act, command, or enactment, violative of the eternal principles of right and liberty are void ; that they have none of the essence or elements of law ; that they are the mere mandates of despots ; that it is not only right for you to dis- ' regard such mandates, but it is your duty. There can be no law which invades the rights of any innocent being to life, liberty, and happiness. **«•** Your friend, FROM WENDELL PHILLIPS. Boston, September 4th, 1864. Mr. Lincoln may, probably does, wish the grand result, freedom to the negro, but he is too much a horda' statesman In Of an Abolitionist 193 hia opinions. Hence the negro is not to him a man in the full sense. Hence he overrates the prejudices and comfort of the slaveholders. Consequently, though he desires the result, he hesitates at the mean^ Public opinion has bayoneted him up to his present position, and may yet save us through him, or rather in spite of him; but it is a very dangerous risk to run. Settlement is a more dangerous hour than war. Hence I oppose Lincoln's re-election ; prominent Republicans dread it. The leading Senator of New England said lately, "Lin< coin's election would be destruction — McClellan's would be damnation ;" so the leailers are making an effort to induce Lincoln to withdraw, and unite all earnest men on a better candidate. If wo effect that, we are safe ; if not, there is great danger that McClellan will be elected, then we should have to rely wholly upon the people to prevent his doing the harm he intends. I trust the people fully ; but dread such a triaL The aim of all true men is either to replace Lincoln, or to array such a force against him as will oblige him to sur- round himself with a Cabinet of different wood. The task we have to do, is a very great one. Davis made a rebellion: it was all he could do.- Lincoln, by tampering, delay, indecision, and long tenderness for slavery, has made a Confederacy — united, proud, with friends and military strength. With great regard and many thanks for all you have done for us, FROM .GERRIT SMITH. Feterboro', August 31, 1864. *****! had strong fears from the first that you would be baffled. We thank you for your noble 194 Recollections and Experiences and benevolent purpoae, and accept the will for the deed. I believe the Heavenly Father means that my country shall live ; she has more to fear just now from Northern dema- gogues than from Southern rebels. Your friend, /^t. ^ ^ vf ^ ^ ^ , , ^ FROM GERRIT SMITH. Peterboro', October 20th, 1864. I am glad to learn that your heart is set on Lincoln's re- election. * '^ * This nation will live. It has given ample proof that it can withstand both foreign and dojnestic foes ; both Northern and Southern rebels. Yes, this nation will live to see herself and the whole continent free from oppressors — not from slaveholders only, but from Imperial despots also. As life is the law of righteousness, so death is the law of wickedness ; and the M'ickedness of the Democratic party is nearing that extreme limit, where wickedness dies of itself. Be of good cheer — God is for us. Your friend, Gerrit Smith. from charles sumner. Senate Chamber, January Slst, 1865. • * • * God bless you for your patriotic labour in our behalf. You have done a noble work, and deserve the Of an Abolitionist 195 thanks of every true American. Accept my best wishes, and believe me, Faithfully your friend. C^Xcw-^u^ yCf/CKj^C^ 7R0M JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER (THE QUAKER POET). Amesbvry, 27, 5th mo., 1865. Dear Friend Ro»!4, It gives me great satisfaction to see the friends of freedom in Canada and England acting in 1)ehalf of the freed* men of the United States. • » * The tears which both nations are shedding over the grave of our beloved President are washing out all the bitter memo* ries of misconception and estrangement between them. So good comes of the evil. Oh, Englishmen ! in hope and creed, In blood and tongue our brothers ; We, too, are heirs of Rnnymede, — And Shakespeare's fame and Cromwell's deed Are not alone our mother's. Thicker than water in one rill. Through centuries of story ; Our Saxon blood has flow'd, and still — We share with you the good and ill, The shadow and the glory. Thine truly. ■Wi 196 Recollections and Experiences VROM QERRIT SMITH. Petbrboro', March lOth, 1865. Many thanks for this excellent likeness of our clear friend Giddings. I hope to meet him in heaven. » « • The end of the terrible rebellion is at hand. I hope to hear this week of the capture of the remainder of Lee's army, and of the taking of Mobile. Heaven bless you for your active in- terest in our cause. Your friend, Gerrit Smith. FROM GEORGE B. LINCOLN. II Brooklyn, March Uth, 1865. I thank you for your very able pamphlet that reached me yesterday. I am glad for your own section, that there is at least one (and I trust there are many) who will stand up for the liberty cause amidst so many who seem to owe the free people of the United States a grudge, and to give it exempli- fication in striking hands with the pirates and thieves who carry on the great rebellion. In the coming time no more mortifying chapter will be written in Canadian history than the sad story of the aid and comfort given these enemies of mankind by her people. But I trust that the ancient philoso- phy will attain with you — that a few good men will save a city — so shall it be said, that for your fidelity and those who act with you, the wrong done ua by the great mass of Gana<^lian people shall be forgotten. Slavery and rebellion, which are two names for one thing, nears its close. Thaidc Goil for the war ! Indeed, I have -scarcely seen human hands in all this great struggle. His mighty arm has wielded the sword of justice, and in the North, as well as in the South, His wide swath can be tracked. The man who thought he was rich in money made out of Southern trade, is to-day a Pauper. His Of an Abolitionist, 197 •children are Beggars — and the men who moat of all, and sin* ^larly enough, took aides with the slaveholdera in all politi- cal actiona, were the Iriah peii])I<.-, and thoy, from their necea- «itie8, were found early, largely in the army. At leaat 50,000 of theae people have gone out from us to return no more for- ever. A very great number are among ua carrying an armleaa coat-sleeve, or some other mark of reliol work. I hope to meet you in Canada the coming summer. Again thanking you in behalf of our liberty-loving people, I remain, Yours very eiuccrely, Geo. B. Lincoln. Postinaster of Brooklyn. FROM flOVERNOR FEXTON. Executive Deft., State of New York, Albany, April 11th, 1865. • * * I thank you in behalf of the loyal people oi this State, for your patriotic services in our behalf. Your interest in our caiise, I assure you, is highly appreciated. Again, thanking you, I remain yours respectfully, R. E. Fenton. FROM WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON. Boston, May 13, 1865. • * * Your active and sympathetic interest in behalf of the freedmen of oui country will do much to engen- der kindly feelings between the United States and Canada. 198 Recollections and Experiences FROM WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. RosLYiT, Long Island, June 3rd, 1865. * * * I am glad to know the cause of the Unite antly ready to support them. Time will show what we can do. Politicians are slippery reliance in war times as well as in peace. Thank you for your active and zealous efforts in our behalf. Your friend, Wendell Phillips. Of an Abolitionist. 199 FROM 6ERRIT SMITH. PCTERBORO', July Ist, 1865. * • * * Slavery has received its death Mow ; but it is by no means certain that our nation Trill be ■saved or still united. We may have first to pass through a war of races. I am not satisfied with the course our Govern- ment is pursuing in the matter of "reconstruction." My poor, guilty country cannot be saved so long as it hates and persecutes the black man. Our nation is lost if the Freedmen are denied the ballot. Oerrit Smith. Your friend. FROM GENERAL GARIBALDI. Brescia (Italy), September, 18^5. * * * I rejoice with you over the destruction of slavery in the American Republic. * ♦ • Cloisters and prisons are not His work. God made liberty — man made slavery. Ever yours, from victor HUGO. Hauteville House, August 13, 1865. * * . * • Freedom makes Light and Life. Slavery makes deafness in the soul. Accept, sir, the homage of my respect and sympathy for your brave and successful labours in the cause of human freedom. rr- A^ 20O Recollections and Experiences Ratification of the Constitutional Amendment and Proclamation of Freedom. On the 1 8th of December, 1865, Secretafjr Seward officially announced to the world the glad tidings that the Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States, or any place sub-^ ject to their jurisdiction, as follows : — To all to lohom these presents may come, Greeting : Know ye. That whereas the Congress of the United States,, on the 1st of February last, passed a resolution, which is in words following, namely : ** A resolution submitting to the Legislatures of the several States a proposition to amend the Consitution of the United States." Resolved, By the Senate and Hou3o of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, two- thirds of both Houses concurring that the following article be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States as an Amend- ment to the Constitution of the United States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of said Legislatures, shall be valid ta all intents and purposes as a part of said Constitution, namely : " " Article XIII. # " 'Section 1. Neither Sk very nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. " •Section 2. Congress shall have jiower to enforce this, article by appropriate legislation.' " Recollections and Experiences 201 And whereas, It appears from official documents on file of this Department, that the Amendment to the Constitution in the United States proposed as aforesaid, has been ratified by the Legislatures of the States of Illinois, Rhode Island, Michigan, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, Maine, Kansas, Massa- chusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Nevada, In- diana, Tiouisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee, Arkansas, Connecticut, New Hampshire, South Carolina,^ Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia, in all 27 States. Ami lohcreas, The whole number of States in the United States is 3G. And whereas. The before specially named States, whose Legislatures have ratified the said proposed Amendment, con- stitute three-fourths of the whole number of States in the United States ; Now, therefore, be it known that I, William IL Seward, Secretary of State of the United States, by virtue an