The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims: Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 18May, Samuel
History
The Fugitive Slave Law and Its Victims: Anti-Slavery Tracts No. 18
May, Samuel
Fugitive slaves -- United States; United States -- Fugitive slave law (1850)
_Boston, about 25th October._ Attempt to seize WILLIAM and
ELLEN CRAFT. William Craft armed himself, and kept within
his shop. Ellen was concealed in the house of a friend.
Their claimants, named Hughes & Knight, were indicted for
defamation of character, in calling W.C. a slave, and brought
before a magistrate. The feeling excited against them was so
great, that they at length fled from the city. Shortly after,
it being considered hazardous for Mr. and Mrs. Craft to
remain in the country, they were enabled to escape to
England.
[In a letter, dated Macon, Georgia, Nov. 11, John Knight
gives a particular account of the proceedings and experiences
of himself and his friend Hughes, on their then recent visit
to Boston for the purpose, to quote his own language, "of
re-capturing William and Ellen Craft, the negroes belonging
to Dr. Collins and Ira Taylor." Willis H. Hughes also
published his statement.]
_New Albany, Indiana._ A woman and boy given up, and taken to
Louisville. They were so white that, even in Kentucky, a
strong feeling arose in their favor on that ground. They were
finally bought for $600, and set free.
ADAM GIBSON, _Philadelphia, December 21, 1850_. Surrendered
by Edward D. Ingraham, United States Commissioner. The case
was hurried through in indecent haste, testimony being
admitted against him of the most groundless character. One
witness swore that Gibson's name was Emery Rice. He was taken
to Elkton, Maryland. There, Mr. William S. Knight, his
supposed owner, refused to receive Gibson, saying he was not
the man, and he was taken back to Philadelphia.
What compensation has the United States Government ever made to Adam
Gibson, for the injurious act of its agent, Ingraham? Had not the
Slaveholder been more honorable than the Commissioner or the makers
of the Fugitive Law, Gibson would have been in Slavery for life.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account