Still, William, Underground Rail Road:
A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, Etc.

Porter & Coales, Publishers, Philadelphia, PA, 1872
Call Number: 1400, MSA L1117

MSA L1117, Image No: 492   Enlarge and print image (50K)

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Still, William, Underground Rail Road:
A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, Etc.

Porter & Coales, Publishers, Philadelphia, PA, 1872
Call Number: 1400, MSA L1117

MSA L1117, Image No: 492   Enlarge and print image (50K)

 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS   NEXT >>
ARRIVAL FROM THE OLD DOMINION. 467 well. No privilege was allowed me to study books. I cannot say that I left for any other cause than to get my freedom, as I believe I have been used as well as any slave in the District. I left no relatives but two cousins; my two brothers ran away. Brooks and Lawrence, but where they went I can't tell, but would be pleased to know. Three brothers and one sister have been sold Sontb, can't tell where they are." Such was Oscar's brief uarrative ; that he was truthful there was no room to doubt. The next passenger was MOSES or "Mose," who looked as though he had been exceedingly well-oared for, being plump, fat, and extra-smart. He declared that General Briscoe, of Georgetown, D. C., had been defrauding him out of thirteen dollars per month, this being the amount for which he was hired, and, instead of boiug allowed to draw it for himself, the general pocketed it. For this " kind treatment" lie summed up what seemed to be a true bill for ten years against the general. But he made another charge of a still graver character: lie said that the general professed to own him. But as he (Moses) was thoroughly tired, and believed that Slavery was no more justifiable than murder, he made up his mind to leave and join the union party for Canada. He stated that the general owned a large number of slaves, which he hired out principally. Moses had no special fault to find with his master, except Midi as have been alluded to, but as to mistress Briscoc, he said, that she was pretty rough. Moses left four sisters in bondage. DAVID, the next member of this freedom-loving band, was an intelligent man; his manners and movements were decidedly prejrossessing. He was about thirty-seven years of age, dark, tall, ami rather of a slender stature, possessing very large hopes. He clwrgetl Dr. Josiah Harding of Rockville, Montgomery county, with having enslaved him contrary to his wish or will. As a slave, David had been required at one time to work on a farm, and at another time to drive carriage, of wurse, without pay. Again he had been bound as a waiter on the no pay system, and again he had been called into the kitchen to cook, all for the benefit of the Doctor—the hire going into the Dr.'s pocket. This business David protested against in secret, but when on the Underground Rail Road his protestations were " over and above board." Of (he Doctor, Davit] said, that " he was clever, but a Catholic;" he also said, that lie thought his wife was " tolerable clever," although he had never been placed under her where he would have had an opportunity of learning her bad traits if she had any. The Doctor had generously bargained with David, that he could have himself by paying $1000; he had likewise figured up how the money might be paid, and intimated what a nice thing it would be for " Dave " to wake up some morning and find himself his own man. This was how it was to be accomplished: Dave was to pay eighty-five dollars annually, and in about