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to take place.
When they had been there a few months, the slave was informed by some colored acquaintance that she was free in consequence of being brought to Philadelphia.
She called to consult with Isaac T. Hopper, and seemed very much disappointed to hear that a residence of six months was necessary to entitle her to freedom; that her master was doubtless aware of that circumstance, and would probably guard against it.
After some minutes of anxious reflection, she said, ‘Then there is nothing left for me to do but to run away; for I am determined never to go back to Maryland.’
Friend Hopper inquired whether she thought it would be right to leave her mistress without any one to attend upon her, in the situation she then was. She replied that she felt no scruples on that point, for her master was wealthy, and could hire as many servants as he pleased.
Finding her mind entirely made up on the subject, he gave her such instructions as seemed suited to the occasion.
The next morning she was not to be found; and Dr. Rich went in search of her, with his fatherin-law, Mr. Wiltbank.
Having frightened some ignorant colored people where she visited, by threats of prosecuting them for harboring a runaway, they confessed that she had gone from their house to Isaac T. Hopper. Mr. Wiltbank accordingly waited upon
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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