Monday (I hope)
Just when you get to thinking that times can’t get no worse, something else happens. The weather’s like that, too — fooled us into believing spring was almost here, but it snowed again today, all day.
While I was dusting Mas’ Henley’s study, I come across a paper that say he was selling Spicy to a man named Mobile, Alabama. They are coming for her on Tuesday-week.
Spicy and Hince say they won’t be separated — rather be dead first. Talk like that makes a cold chill go up my back.
“What we gon’ do?” Spicy asked me, right pitiful-like. “You the one had the idea that saved Mr. Harms. Can’t you think of a way to help me and Hince?”
There are abolitionists and conductors on the underground railroad who want to help us — but we aine got time to wait on them. This time, we got to do it ourselves. We got to make an ’scape plan.
Saturday
I was reading Spicy’s Bible when I turned to a page where somebody had written, “My baby girl was born on February 28, 1844.”
I showed it to Spicy. “Mama must’a wrote that in the Bible,” she say, touching the words with her fingers. “She could read and write like you, Clotee.”
“Like you, too, Spicy. You done learned how to write your name and lots of words. With a little more practicing you’ll be writing real good.”
“My mama wanted to name me Rose,” Spicy said.
I wrote in Spicy’s Bible, Spicy’s real name is Rose.
“Do you believe that everything in the Bible is true?” I asked. She nodded. “I wrote your real name in your Bible. The name your mama wanted you to be called. ROSE. From now on you are Rose.”
Shortly after midnight Sunday morning
There is a terrible thunderstorm raging outside. We had to call off the run. But we have to go no later than tomorrow.
Monday
I put my plan to work at first light. We dressed Spicy as a boy slave. I gave her a bundle. “It’s our quilt,” I told her. “You should keep it.” She didn’t have time to fuss with me about it.
Hince looks so much like a white man, we dressed him in one of Mas’ Henley old suits I sneaked out of the attic. “I aine never had on a suit of clothes before,” he said. We tucked Spicy’s Bible under his arm. “You look like a for-real preaching man,” said Aunt Tee, hugging them both and giving them a biscuit and water for a day.
Time to go. “You know what to do, now?”
Just as we planned, we slipped down to the barn, Hince mounted Big Can. Being very careful not to make a sound, I eased them through the woods, past the cemetery, toward the river. I had already done my hugging and farewelling, so I just watched them ride downstream along the bank until they was out of sight.
I slipped back on the other side of the orchards, into the cabin where Aunt Tee and I sat holding each other until dawn. By then I had stopped trembling.
Tuesday
Hince and Spicy wasn’t missed until the Campbelles come for Hince on Monday. Mas’ Henley crashed into Aunt Tee’s cabin, wanting us to tell him where Hince and Spicy had gone.
Aunt Tee stayed calm. “We don’t know a thing ’bout that. We all went to sleep together and when we woke up same as you, they was gone.”
“I don’t believe a word you’re saying. I don’t trust any of you,” he shouted and carried on.
The Campbelles didn’t seem too upset. “We’ll take Canterbury’s Watch, then.” But when they went to get the horse it, too, was gone. Then the Campbelles say that Mas’ Henley was trying to cheat them. They say they was gon’ take him to court.
Mas’ Henley went to talking fast. “I’ll pay you for your losses,” he said, adding, “and for whatever inconven — (whatever that big word was) I may have caused you.”
“Cash,” said Silas Campbelle. “No marker.”
Long ’bout that time, the slavers come for Spicy. “The boy and gal have run away,” Mas’ Henley told them. He had to pay the slavers back their money for Spicy.
I was beside myself with joy — joy in the morning. Serves him good. William and Miz Lilly came out on the porch. People from the Quarters were also gathering to see what was going on. Miz Lilly swooned, but nobody bothered to catch her when she fainted.
Mas’ Henley and Waith set out to find Spicy and Hince but they are long gone. I was as happy as Daniel and David all in one.
Next day
I studied the sun today. It’s different. I feel that winter is almost over. We will have more cold days, but the bitter times are over. We’ve made it through — in more ways than one.
Next day
Mas’ Henley come back after a search saying he had found and killed both Spicy and Hince. He showed no proof. Besides, where was Big Can? If he’d really caught them, he’d have brought back the horse, for sure. I don’t believe him. I won’t believe him. Spicy and Hince made it. If they hadn’t, I’d feel it.
Day later
The Dark of the Moon is coming. It will be time for me to make my run to freedom. I should be happy. I’m an abolitionist and I want to end slavery. I can’t do that being a slave on a plantation. Can I?
Later
Mr. Harms says there’s no conductor on the Underground Railroad here at Belmont. If this station closes, what will happen to the runaways coming through here? Some might get caught. Some might get drowned like Rufus, Aggie, Wook, and Baby Noah. But if they had somebody here to help them — to show them the way …
Later
This station can’t close.
Dark of the moon
A moonless night is scary, ’specially in the woods when it’s cloudy.
I sang the Underground Railroad song — the one Mr. Harms said to signal him with.
Deep river, Lord. I want to cross over …
Mr. Harms met me as planned, rising up out of the darkness like a ghost. I felt better when I saw the runaways huddled together, fearing what was behind, fearing what was in front of them.
“Spicy and Hince aine going,” I say, telling him how I’d helped them to get away.
“I’ve heard ’bout their getaway.” Mr. Harms already knew about it?
“Have you heard if they safe?” My heart was pounding from wondering and worrying. I rather know a bad thing than to not know it.
“Our conductors tell me Spicy and Hince are in northern waters on their way to Canada. Where’d you come up with such a good idea?” he asked, smiling.
It seemed easy enough to me. Hince passed as a white man, traveling with his slave. When they got to Richmond, Hince sold Canterbury’s Watch — to a kind man who will give Can a good home. I had made out the papers to show the horse had been sold to Hince Henley, a cousin of Mas’ Henley’s. I’d copied his signature, too.
Hince used the money to buy tickets on the first steamship heading north, just like I told him.
“Some of our people who were on the boat said Hince had won a large amount of money gambling with a group of wealthy young men who found him quite charming.” I can just see him now, teasing, smiling. They never suspected he was a runaway slave.
“Now it’s time to get you out of here, Clotee,” said Mr. Harms.
“Have you found a person to be the conductor here at Belmont?”
“No we haven’t.”
“I’m not going with you, now. I want to stay here and be a conductor on the Underground Railroad at this station.”
Next night
I didn’t sleep last night and when I did it was fitful. Had I done the right thing? I kept seeing Mama’s face. She was smiling and that made me feel better.
Mr. Harms made me promise to meet him at the river again tonight. I did.
“It is too dangerous for you to be a conductor,” said Mr. Harms. “You’re just a child.”
“I’m young, sir, all due respect, but I’m not a child,” I told him. “I’m an abolitionist. And I’m needed. Anyway, it was my idea that saved you from the sheriff. It was my plan that got Spicy and Hince away. I can do it.”
; “Oh, I have no doubt that you’re up to the job,” said Mr. Harms. “You are a remarkable young lady, and I’m proud of you. But don’t you want to be free?”
I had talked this over with myself long and hard, so I knew what I felt. “Yes sir, I want to be free. But most of all I want slavery to end for everybody. I read in one of your papers that it’s not right for anybody to be slaves. So, that’s why I want to stay — to make an end to slavery.”
Mr. Harms looked surprised and pleased. “You have a better understanding of freedom than most people do,” said Mr. Harms. It was my time to look surprised. “Freedom is about making choices and learning from them,” he said. “You’ve made the choice to stay here. The conductor’s job is yours as long as you want it. But remember,” he added, “the first sign of trouble you must get out of here. Promise?”
I promised.
Into March
We are turning the ground for the new crop — back-breaking work. I’m not as afraid as I once was. I don’t let my fear stop me from my work. I’ve started teaching a few trusted slaves to write. It’s scary, because I know if they are ever really put to a hard test, they will probably turn me in. But I can’t worry about that now. If I don’t teach them, who will?
Miz Lilly has put me in the fields. I’m happy here, because I’m making more and more choices. I see why Spicy wanted to be out here, away from Miz Lilly and Mas’ Henley who are mean as ever. So is Waith.
Since Spicy and Hince ran away, Waith’s been very hard on us. We try not to give him reasons to beat us, but he still finds them. When it’s time for me to teach school or when it’s time for a runaway, we know how to handle Waith. See, he took a liking to Aunt Tee’s root tea, so we just put a little sleeping herb in Waith’s tea. He never knows the difference.
Sunday
Without us even noticing it, spring has pushed up everywhere. Easter came and went. We will celebrate Aunt Tee’s birthday.
The orchards bloomed weeks ago. No late frost got them, so we’ll have a good crop of apples this year. Uncle Heb’s garden is in bloom. Mas’ Henley finally realized how much work it takes to keep Belmont grounds looking beautiful.
April 1860
I haven’t written in a long time … one month, maybe. Since I’m not in the Big House, it’s hard for me to get paper to add to my diary. But I can scratch in the dirt, and I do. Practicing and teaching others.
William is going off to school in Missouri, and Miz Lilly is trying to die, because it aine Overton. I got a feeling that boy was really ’fected by Mr. Harms, more than anybody will ever know — other than me. Who knows, William might end up being an abolitionist. Now wouldn’t that take the cake?
Mas’ Henley finally got tired of eating Eva Mae’s bad cooking. He sent her back to the fields, then brought in a new cook from New Orleans. Uses lots of peppers. Nobody will ever be as good as Aunt Tee at cooking fried chicken and whipped potatoes. And he knows it.
Miz Lilly has made Missy her pet. Missy don’t speak and never comes to the Quarters not even to see her mama. Missy wears all kinds of pretty dresses but she can’t be too happy — not living under Miz Lilly day after day.
Aunt Tee is busy all the time — picking wild greens, making potions, birthing babies — and helping me make plans for runaways. A group will be passing through Belmont in a few days.
Full moon, April, 1860
Aunt Tee sang the signal —
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home …
A group of three runaways found their way to the Belmont station tonight. One of them was a girl about ten. She was so scared. I pressed Little Bit in her hand. “She will keep you company,” I said. The girl managed a weak smile. I had their passes written. Aunt Tee had their food and water ready.
Soon, a man dressed in black rowed up to the bank, making not a splash with his oars. “Come quickly.” He was my partner, but we’d never talked or seen each other. Safer that way. He sounded like a foreigner. “See you next time,” he said. I never saw his face. Quickly and quietly the runaways got in the boat and rowed away. I don’t think I took a breath until they were out of sight.
Sitting here next to Aunt Tee in the cabin I feel good about staying for now. One day I’ll see the Philadelphia, the New York, and the Boston. Maybe I’ll make my own run for freedom next year — or maybe the next. Until then I have plenty of work to do.
Next day
I have just enough paper and berry ink to write one more time.
The morning bell will ring soon and I’ll have to go to the fields. There’s time to write a few words. I have decided to begin with F-R-E-E-D-O-M. Freedom. I let the memory pictures take shape in my mind. Mr. Harms is safe and able to go on with his work. Hince and Spicy are free and together. I remembered the little girl I’d helped the night before and I smiled. My doll Little Bit would be free before me. Freedom. I remembered what Mr. Harms had said about choices. I looked at the letters more closely. For the first time freedom showed me a clear picture. A picture of me.
Epilogue
During the summer of 1939, when Clotee Henley was ninety-two years old, she was interviewed by Lucille Avery, a student at Fisk University, which is in Nashville, Tennessee. Miss Avery, along with many other writers, had been hired by the government to visit aging slaves and record their stories. Clotee’s story first appeared in the Virginia Chronicle, summer 1940.
Miss Avery visited Clotee at her home in Hampton, Virginia. And for over two months, Clotee shared her diaries, photos, and papers. From Miss Avery’s research, we know that Clotee served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping over one hundred and fifty slaves get to freedom, and as a spy for the Union Army from 1862–1865. She was awarded a commendation by General Ulysses S. Grant for her valor.
During the war, however, life at Belmont changed forever. Briley Waith was at Fort Sumter with Edmund Ruffin, Sr., who fired the first shot. Mas’ Henley lost an arm at the battle of Fredericksburg, and Miz Lilly went mad when Yankees camped on Belmont grounds and turned the Big House into a Union hospital. Aunt Tee used all her knowledge of roots and herbs to save the lives of soldiers, even when army doctors snickered and called it voodoo. They stopped laughing when she saved more lives than they did. Sadly, Aunt Tee died of cholera on Christmas Day 1864, months before the war ended. She was buried beside Uncle Heb in the plantation cemetery. When Missy’s mama died, Missy ran off and later married a Buffalo Soldier out West.
After the war, Mr. Harms arranged for Clotee to travel up North, where she received a hero’s welcome. After several business failures, Mr. Harms moved to Scotland where he dropped out of sight. Although Clotee never met Sojourner Truth, she did meet Frederick Douglass, with whom she corresponded until his death in 1895.
In 1875, Clotee returned to Virginia, where she attended Virginia Colored Women’s Institute, then dedicated her life to the education of former slaves, women’s suffrage, equal rights, and justice for all people regardless of race, creed, or nationality.
Inside her diaries, Miss Avery found two other interesting items that help conclude Clotee’s story. One was a photo and packet of letters from Dr. William Monroe Henley, who had become a professor of philosophy at Oberlin College in Ohio. He had been disinherited by his father for taking a stand against prejudice. “Through education Mr. Harms did more to destroy slavery than all the laws on the books could legislate,” he wrote to Clotee in 1891.
There was another photo of a handsome elderly couple, surrounded by a large family. On the back was written:
To our beloved sister-friend, Clotee
from Hince and Rose Henley and family
50th Wedding Anniversary
Louisville, Kentucky, 1910.
Spicy is holding a Bible in her hand, and Hince has a quilt folded over one knee. There is an old article from a Kentucky newspaper attached to the photo, praising Hince for being one of the finest horse trainers in the racing business.
Clotee never marr
ied or had children of her own, but when she died on May 6, 1941, hundreds of her former students attended the funeral. As a teacher, she had challenged them. As an activist, she had inspired them. As a friend, she had encouraged them. Clotee Henley’s legacy lives on in the epitaph engraved on her gravestone:
FREEDOM IS MORE THAN A WORD
Life in America
in 1859
Historical Note
The first Africans were brought to the Virginia colony as indentured servants in 1619. Slavery was a well-established institution in the United States by the 1850s. But the resistance against it was equally old and persistent.
Virginia legislators, who were often wealthy planters, took the lead in passing laws that safeguarded their rights as slaveholders, discouraged runaways, and protected themselves against insurrections. These laws were known as “Slave Codes” or “Black Codes.” As a matter of record Virginia and other Southern states had hundreds of Slave Codes on their books. For example one stated that “the status of the mother determined whether the child was born free or slave.” Others forbade inter racial marriages and outlawed the education of slaves. Blacks could not hold public meetings, or testify against a white man in court. Any slave suspected of running away was dealt with severely.
Resistance against slavery took many forms, beginning first with the captives themselves. They used work slow downs, arson, murder, suicide, and armed rebellion to gain their freedom. When they could run, most did. In fact, the runaway problem was always a pressing one for most slaveholders. As early as 1642, Virginia introduced a fugitive slave order that penalized all those who helped runaway slaves.
A Picture of Freedom Page 12