Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin
Page 58
that I must say that I was Mr. Schoolfield's slave, and that if I did not do it he
would kill me the first time he got a chance. He said Rachel (her sister) said
she came from Baltimore, and was Mr. Schoolfield's slave. Afterwards some gen-
tlemen called on me (Judge Campbell and Judge Bell, of Philadelphia, and William
H. Norris, Esq., of Baltimore), and I told them I was Mr. Schoolfield's slave.
They said they were my friends, and I must tell them the truth. I then told them
who I was, and all about it.
“When I was in New Orleans Mr. C. whipped me because I said that I was
free.”
Elizabeth, by her own account above, was seized and taken from Pennsylvania,
Dec. 6th or 13th, 1851, which is confirmed by other testimony.
It is conceded that such cases, when brought into Southern
Courts, are generally tried with great fairness and impartiality.
The agent for Northrop's release testifies to this, and it has
been generally admitted fact; but it is probably only one case
in a hundred that can get into Court. Of the multitudes who
are drawn down in the ever-widening Maëlstrom, only now and
then one ever comes back to tell the tale.
The succeeding chapter of advertisements will show the
reader how many such victims there may probably be.
CHAPTER IX.
SLAVES AS THEY ARE, ON TESTIMONY OF OWNERS.
The investigation into the actual condition of the slave popu-
lation at the South is beset with many difficulties. So many
things are said pro and con--so many said in one connexion
and denied in another--that the effect is very confusing.
Thus we are told that the state of the slaves is one of blissful
contentment; that they would not take freedom as a gift; that
their family relations are only now and then invaded; that they
are a stupid race, almost sunk to the condition of animals; that
generally they are kindly treated, &c.
In reading over some two hundred Southern newspapers this
fall, the author has been struck with the very graphic and circum-
stantial pictures, which occur in all of them, describing fugitive
slaves. From these descriptions one may learn a vast many
things. The author will here give an assortment of them taken
at random. It is a commentary on the contented state of the
slave population that the writer finds two or three always, and
often many more, in every one of the hundreds of Southern
papers examined.
In reading the following little sketches of “slaves as they
are,” let the reader notice:
1. The colour and complexion of the majority of them.
2. That it is customary either to describe slaves by some
scar, or to say, “No scars recollected.”
3. The intelligence of the parties advertised.
4. The number that say they are free that are to be sold to
pay jail fees.
Every one of these slaves has a history--a history of woe and
crime, degradation, endurance, and wrong. Let us open the
chapter.
South-side Democrat, October 28, 1852. Petersburgh,
Virginia:--
Twenty-five dollars, with the payment of all necessary expenses, will be given
for the apprehension and delivery of my man CHARLES, if taken on the Appo-
mattox river, or within the precincts of Petersburgh. He ran off about a week
ago, and if he leaves the neighbourhood, will no doubt make for Farmville and
Petersburgh. He is a mulatto, rather below the medium height and size, but well
proportioned, and very active and sensible. He is aged about 27 years, has a mild,
submissive look, and will, no doubt, show the marks of a recent whipping if taken.
He must be delivered to the care of Peebles, White, Davis, & Co.
Oct. 25.--3t. R. H. de Jarnett, Lunenburgh.
Poor Charles!--mulatto!--has a mild, submissive look, and
will probably show marks of a recent whipping!
Kosciusko Chronicle, November 24, 1852:
To the Jail of Attila County, on the 8th instant, a negro boy, who calls his
name GREEN, and says he belongs to James Gray, of Winston County. Said
boy is about 20 years old, yellow complexion, round face, has a scar on his face,
one on his left thigh, and one in his left hand: is about 5 feet 6 inches high.
Had on when taken up a cotton check shirt, Linsey pants, new cloth cap, and was
riding a large roan horse about 12 or 14 years old, and thin in order. The owner
is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or
he will be sold to pay charges.
E. B. Sanders, Jailer A. C.
Oct. 12, 1852. n12tf.
Capitolian Vis-à-Vis, West Baton Rouge, Nov. 1, 1852.
Runaway from the subscriber, in Randolph County, on the 18th of October,
a yellow boy, named JIM. This boy is 19 years old, a light mulatto with dirty
sunburnt hair inclined to be straight; he is just 5 feet 7 inches high, and slightly
made. He had on when he left a black cloth cap, black cloth pantaloons, a plaided
sack coat, a fine shirt, and brogan shoes. One hundred dollars will be paid for
the recovery of the above-described boy, if taken out of the State, or fifty dollars
if taken in the State.
Mrs. S. P. Hall,
Huntsville, Mo.
Nov. 4, 1852.
American Baptist, Dec. 20, 1852:
The following paragraph, headed “Twenty Dollars Reward,” appeared in a
recent number of the New Orleans Picayune:
“Runaway from the plantation of the undersigned the negro man Shedrick, a
preacher, 5 feet 9 inches high, about 40 years old, but looking not over 23,
stamped N. E. on the breast, and having both small toes cut off. He is of a very
dark complexion, with eyes small but bright, and a look quite insolent. He dresses
good, and was arrested as a runaway at Donaldsonville, some three years ago. The
above reward will be paid for his arrest, by addressing Messrs. Armant Brothers,
St. James parish, or A. Miltenberger & Co., 30, Carondelet-street.”
Here is a preacher who is branded on the breast and has two
toes cut off--and will look insolent yet! There's depravity for
you!
Jefferson Inquirer, Nov. 27, 1852:
Ranaway from my plantation, in Bolivar County, Miss., a negro man named
MAY, aged 40 years, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, copper coloured, and very
straight; his front teeth are good and stand a little open; stout through the
shoulders, and has some scars on his back that show above the skin plain, caused
by the whip; he frequently hiccups when eating, if he has not got water handy;
he was pursued into Ozark County, Mo., and there left. I will give the above
reward for his confinement in jail, so that I can get him.
James H. Cousar,
Victoria, Bolivar County, Mississippi.
Nov. 13, lm.
Delightful master to go back to, this man must be!
The Alabama Standard has for its motto, “Resistance to
tyrants is obedience to God.”
Date of Nov. 29th, this advertisement:
To the Jail of Choctaw County, by Judge Young, of Marengo County, a RUN-
AWAY SLAVE, who calls his name BILLY, and says he belongs to the late
William Johnson, and was
in the employment of John Jones, near Alexandria, La.
He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, black, about 40 years old, much scarred on the
face and head, and quite intelligent.
The owner is requested to come forward, prove his property, and take him from
jail, or he will be disposed of according to law.
S. S. Houston, Jailer, C. C.
Dec. 1, 1852. 44 tf.
Query: whether this “quite intelligent” Billy hadn't been
corrupted by hearing this incendiary motto of the Standard?
Knoxville (Tennessee) Register, Nov. 3rd:
RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the night of the 26th July last, a negro
woman named HARRIET. Said woman is about 5 feet 5 inches high, has pro-
minent cheek-bones large mouth and good front teeth, tolerably spare built, about
26 years old. We think it probable she is harboured by some negroes not far
from John Mynatt's in Knox County, where she and they are likely making some
arrangements to get to a free State: or she may be concealed by some negroes
(her connxtions) in Anderson County, near Clinton. I will give the above reward
for her apprehension and confinement in any prison in this State, or I will give
fifty dollars for her confinement in any jail out of this State, so that I get her.
Nov. 3. 4m. H. B. Goens, Clinton, Tenn.
The Alexandria Gazette, November 29, 1852, under the
device of Liberty trampling on a tyrant, motto, Sic “semper
tyrannis,” has the following:
Ranaway from the subscriber, living in the County of Rappahannock, on
Tuesday last, Daniel, a bright mulatto, about 5 feet 8 inches high, about 35
years old, very intelligent, has been a waggoner for several years, and is pretty
well acquainted from Richmond to Alexandria. He calls himself DANIEL
TURNER; his hair curls without showing black blood, or wool; he has a scar
on one cheek, and his left hand has been seriously injured by a pistol-shot, and
he was shabbily dressed when last seen. I will give the above reward if taken
out of the county, and secured in jail, so that I get him again, or ten dollars if
taken in the county.
A. M. Willis.
Rappahannock Co., Va., Nov. 29.--eo lm.
Another “very intelligent,” straight-haired man. Who was
his father?
The New Orleans Daily Crescent, office, No. 93, St. Charles-
street; Tuesday morning, December 13, 1852:
NANCY, a griffe, about 34 years old, 5 feet 1¾ inch high, a scar on left wrist;
says she belongs to Madame Wolf.
CHARLES HALL, a black, about 18 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high; says he
is free, but supposed to be a slave.
PHILOMONIA, a mulattress, about 10 years old, 4 feet 3 inches high; says
she is free, but supposed to be a slave.
COLUMBUS, a griffe, about 21 years old, 5 feet 5¾ inches high; says he is
free, but supposed to be a slave.
SEYMOUR, a black, about 21 years old, 5 feet 1¾ inch high; says he is free,
but supposed to be a slave.
The owners will please to comply with the law respecting them.
J. Worrall, Warden.
New Orleans, Dec. 14, 1852.
What chance for any of these poor fellows who say they are
free?
RANAWAY from the subscriber, living in Unionville, Frederick County, Md.,
on Sunday morning, the 17th instant, a DARK MULATTO GIRL, about 18
years of age, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, looks pleasant generally, talks very quick,
converses tolerably well, and can read. It is supposed she had on, when she left,
a red Merino dress, black Visette or plaid Shawl, and a purple calico Bonnet, as
those articles are missing.
A reward of Twenty-five Dollars will be given for her, if taken in the State, or
Fifty Dollars if taken out of the State, and lodged in jail, so that I get her again.
Oct. 13.--2m. G. R. Sappington.
Kosciusko Chronicle, Mississippi:
Will be paid for the delivery of the boy WALKER, aged about 28 years, about
5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, black complexion, loose make, smiles when spoken to,
has a mild, sweet voice, and fine teeth. Apply at 25, Tchoupitoulas street, up
stairs.
o12 6t.
Walker has walked off, it seems. Peace be with him!
RANAWAY from the subscriber, living near White's Store, Anson County, on
the 3rd of May last, a bright mulatto boy, named BOB. Bob is about 5 feet
high, will weigh 130 pounds, is about 22 years old, and has some beard on his
upper lip. His left leg is somewhat shorter than his right, causing him to hobble
in his walk; has a very broad face, and will show colour like a white man. It is
probable he has gone off with some waggoner or trader, or he may have free
papers and be passing as a free man. He has straight hair.
I will give a reward of TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS for the apprehension and
delivery to me of said boy, or for his confinement in any jail, so that I get him
again.
Clara Lockhart,
By Adam Lockhart.
June 30, 1852. 698: 5
Southern Standard, October 16, 1852:
RANAWAY, or stolen, from the subscriber, living near Aberdeen, Miss., a light
mulatto woman, of small size, and about 23 years old. She has long, black,
straight hair, and she usually keeps it in good order. When she left she had on
either a white dress, or a brown calico one with white spots or figures, and took
with her a red handkerchief, and a red or pink sun-bonnet. She generally dresses
very neatly. She generally calls herself Mary Ann Paine--can read print--has
some freckles on her face and hands--shoes No. 4--had a ring or two on her
fingers. She is very intelligent, and converses well. The above reward will be
given for her, if taken out of the State, and twenty-five dollars if taken within the
State.
U. McAllister.
Memphis (weekly) Appeal will insert to the amount of five dollars, and send
account to this office.
Oct. 6th, 1853. 20--tf.
Much can be seen of this Mary Ann in this picture. The
black, straight hair, usually kept in order--the general neatness
of dress--the ring or two on the fingers--the ability to read--
the fact of being intelligent and conversing well, are all to be
noticed.
Ranaway, on the 9th of last August, my servant boy HENRY: he is 14 or 15
years old, a bright mulatto, has dark eyes, stoops a little, and stutters when con-
fused. Had on, when he went away, white pantaloons, long blue summer-coat,
and a palm-leaf hat. I will give the above reward if he should be taken in the
State of Virginia, or 30 dollars if taken in either of the adjoining States; but in
either case he must be so secured that I get him again.
Oct. 7.--eotf. Edwin C. Fitzhugh.
Poor Henry!--only 14 or 15.
To the jail of Lowndes County, Mississippi, on the 9th of May, by Jno. K.
Peirce, Esq., and taken up as a runaway slave by William S. Cox, a negro man,
who says his name is ROLAND, and that he belongs to Maj. Cathey, of Ma-
rengo Co., Ala., was sold to him by Henry Williams, a negro trader from North
Carolina.
Said Negro is about 35 years old, 5 feet 6 or 8 inches high, dark complexion,
weighs about 150 pounds, middle finger on the ri
ght hand off at the second joint,
and had on, when committed, a black silk hat, black drap d'été dress coat, and
white linsey pants.
The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take
him away, or he will be dealt with according to law.
L. H. Willeford,
Jailer.
June 6, 1852.--19--tf.
Richmond Semi-weekly Examiner, October 29, 1852:
Ranaway from the subscriber, residing in the County of Halifax, about the
middle of last August, a Negro Man, Ned, aged some thirty or forty years, of
medium height, copper colour, full forehead, and cheek bones a little prominent.
No scars recollected, except one of his fingers--the little one probably--is stiff
and crooked. The man Ned was purchased in Richmond, of Mr. Robert Goodwin,
who resides near Frederick-Hall, in Louisa County, and has a wife in that
vicinity. He has been seen in the neighbourhood, and is supposed to have gone
over the Mountains, and to be now at work as a free man at some of the Iron
Works; some one having given him free papers. The above reward will be given
for the apprehension of the slave Ned, and his delivery to R. H. Dickinson and
Bro., in Richmond, or to the undersigned, in Halifax, Virginia, or twenty-five if
confined in any jail in the Commonwealth, so that I get him.
Jas. M. Chappell,
[Firm of Chappell & Tucker.]
Aug. 10.--tf
This unfortunate copper-coloured article is supposed to have
gone after his wife.
Kentucky Whig, Oct. 22, '52:
Ranaway from the subscriber, near Mount Sterling, Ky., on the night of the
20th of October, a negro man named PORTER. Said boy is black, about 22
years old, very stout and active, weighs about 165 or 170 pounds. He is a smart
fellow, converses well without the negro accent; no particular scars recollected.
He had on a pair of coarse boots about half-worn, no other clothing recollected.