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prayed earnestly to God to release him from his sufferings.
In the year 1800, he found a favorable opportunity to escape from his unfeeling master, and made his way to Philadelphia, where he procured employment in a lumber-yard, under the name of John Smith.
He was so diligent and faithful, that he soon gained the good — will and confidence of his employers.
He married a worthy, industrious woman, with whom he lived happily.
By their united earnings they were enabled to purchase a small house, where they enjoyed more comfort than many wealthy people, and were much respected by neighbors and acquaintances.
Unfortunately, he confided his story to a colored man, who, for the sake of reward, informed his master where he was to be found.
Accordingly, he came to Philadelphia, arrested him, and carried him before a magistrate.
Having brought forward satisfactory evidence that he was a slave, an order was granted to carry him back to Maryland. Isaac T. Hopper was present at this decision, and was afflicted by it beyond measure.
John's employers pitied his condition, and sympathized with his afflicted wife and children.
They offered to pay a large sum for his ransom; but his savage master refused to release him on any terms.
This sober, industrious man, guiltless of any crime, was hand-cuffed and had his
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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