The Christiana Riot and the Treason Trials of 1851: An Historical SketchHensel, W. U. (William Uhler)
History
The Christiana Riot and the Treason Trials of 1851: An Historical Sketch
Hensel, W. U. (William Uhler)
Christiana (Pa.) -- History; Riots -- Pennsylvania -- Christiana
She appeared to be so excited that she could not say what she wished
to. We were told we would not get much rest, and we did not; for
visitors were constantly coming. One gentleman was surprised that we
got away from the cars, as spies were all about, and there were two
thousand dollars reward for the party.
We left at eight o’clock that evening, in a carriage, for the boat,
bound for Kingston in Canada. As we went on board, the bell was
ringing. After walking about a little, a friend pointed out to me
the officers on the “hunt” for us; and just as the boat pushed off
from the wharf, some of our friends on shore called me by name. Our
pursuers looked very much like fools, as they were. I told one of the
gentlemen on shore to write to Kline that I was in Canada. Ten dollars
were generously contributed by the Rochester friends for our expenses;
and altogether their kindness was heartfelt, and was most gratefully
appreciated by us.
Once on the boat, and fairly out at sea towards the land of liberty,
my mind became calm, and my spirits very much depressed at thought of
my wife and children. Before, I had little time to think much about
them, my mind being on my journey. Now I became silent and abstracted.
Although fond of company, no one was company for me now.
We landed at Kingston on the 21st of September, at six o’clock in the
morning, and walked around for a long time, without meeting any one
we had ever known. At last, however, I saw a colored man I knew in
Maryland. He at first pretended to have no knowledge of me, but finally
recognized me. I made known our distressed condition when he said he
was not going home then, but, if we would have breakfast, he would pay
for it. How different the treatment received from this man--himself
an exile for the sake of liberty, and in its full enjoyment on free
soil--and the self-sacrificing spirit of our Rochester colored brother,
who made haste to welcome us to his ample home,--the well-earned reward
of his faithful labors!
On Monday evening, the 23d, we started for Toronto, where we arrived
safely the next day. Directly after landing, we heard that Governor
Johnston, of Pennsylvania, had made a demand on the Governor of Canada
for me, under the Extradition Treaty. Pinckney and Johnson advised me
to go to the country, and remain where I should not be known; but I
refused. I intended to see what they would do with me. Going at once
to the Government House, I entered the first office I came to. The
official requested me to be seated. The following is the substance of
the conversation between us, as near as I can remember. I told him I
had heard that Governor Johnston, of Pennsylvania, had requested his
government to send me back. At this he came forward, held forth his
hand, and said, “Is this William Parker?”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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