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| 442 THE UNDERGROUND SAIL ROAD. to own him. Darius alleged thai; this same Hamlin, who had thus stripped him of every cent of his earnings was doing the same thing by sixty others, whom he held in his grasp. With regard to "feeding and clothing" Darius set Hamlin down as "very hoggish ;" lie also stated that he would sell slaves whenever he could. He (Darius), had been hired out in Petersburg from the age of ten ; for the last three years previous to bis escape he had been bringing one hundred and fifty dollars a year into the coffers of his owners. Darius had not been ignorant of the cruelties of the slave system up to the time of his escape, for the fetters had been galling his young limbs for several years; especially had the stringent slave laws given him the horrors. Loathing the system of slavery with his whole heart, he determined to peril his all in escaping therefrom ; seeking diligently, he had found means by which he could carry his designs into execution. In the way of general treatment, however, Darius said that bodily he had escaped " abuses tolerably well." He left in slavery his father and mother, four brothers and one sister. He arrived by one of the Richmond boats. ARRIVED FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1857. TOVTXSEND DERRIX. The above-named escaped from a "Dutchman" by the name of Gallipap-pick, who was in the confectionery business. For the credit of our German citizens, it may be said, that slave-holders within their ranks were very few. This was a rare case. The Committee were a little curious to know how the German branch of civilization conducted when given unlimited control over human beings. In answering the requisite questions, and in making his statement, Towns-end gave entire satisfaction. His German master be spoke of as being a tolerably fair man, " considering his origin." At least he (Townsend), had not suffered much from him; but he spoke of a woman, about sixty, who had been used very badly under this Dutchman. He not only worked her very hard, but, at the same time, he would beat her over the head, and that in the most savage manner. Ilia mistress was also " Dutch," a "great swabby, &t woman," with a very ill disposition. Master and mistress were both members of the Episcopal Church. " Mistress drank, that was the reason she was so disagreeable." Townsond had been a married man for about seven months only. In his effort to obtain his own freedom he sought diligently to deliver his young wife. They were united heart and hand in the one great purpose to reach |