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| ESCAPING WITH MASTERS CAB&IAQES AND HORSES. 303 hire a conveyance, even if she had known any one who would have beeu willing to risk the law hi taking them a night's journey. So there was no hope in these directions. Her rude intellect being considered, she was entitled to a great deal of credit for seizing- the horses and carriages belonging to her master, as she did ifc for the liberation of her children. Knowiug others at the same time, who were wanting to visit Canada, she consulted with five of this class, males aud females, and they mutually decided to travel together. It is not likely that they knew much about the roads, nevertheless they reached Wilmington, Delaware, pretty direct, and ventured up into the heart of the town in carriages, looking as innocent as if they were going to meeting to hear an old-fashioued Southern sermon—" Servants, obey your masters." Of course, the distinguished travelers were immediately reported to the noted Thomas Garrctt, who was accustomed to transact the affairs of the Underground Kail Road in a cool masterly way. But, on this occasion, there was but little time for deliberation, but much need of haste to meet tie emergency. He at once decided, that they must immediately be separated from the horses and carriages, and got out of Wilmingtou as quickly as possible. With the courage and skill, so characteristic of Garrett, the fugitives, uuder escort, were soon on their way to Keunett Square (a hot-bed of abolitionists and stock-holders of the Underground Rail Road), which place they reached safely. It so happened, that they reached Long Wood rueeting-hoose in the evening, at which place a fair circle had convened. Being invited, they stayed awhile in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the Kennett friends, they were brought to Downiugtown early in the morning and thence, by daylight, within a short distance of Kimberton, and found succor with friend Lewis, at the old headquarters of the fugitives. [A letter may be found from Miss G. A. Lewis, on page thirty-nine, throwing much light on this arrival]. After receiving friendly aid and advice while there, they were forwarded to the Committee in Philadelphia. Here further aid was afforded them, and as danger was quite obvious, they were completely divided and disguised, so that the Committee felt that they might safely be sent on to Canada in one of the regular trains considered most private. Considering the condition of the slave mother and her children and friends, all concerned rejoiced, that they had had the courage to use their master's horses and vehicles as they did. |