The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-01-28

Slaves are exceedingly ignorant OF the geog'
raphy of the country, and although they have
} heard that Canada is place where their
shackles fail when they reach 1t; yet they
know not what course to pursue, whether
east, west north or south, i'll order TO arrive
at that much wished for land He gave Jack
and Dick all the information he possessed,
and told them what course to steer.
After this he was taken from his confine-
ment, his hands bound in irons, and placed
upon the back Of Il mule. But this WAS not
enough. His master said he had made his
escape from Louisville in a very strange man
ner, having flown away, or been taken upon
! the clouds therefore he went to the house
and brought Il rope with which his legs were
tied under the mules belly, determined that
! if he flew away again, he should carry the
mule up with him. This was not ail-his
masters two sons were placed on either side
Of the mule which carried him, to keep him
down in case he attempted to rise. In addi-
| ton to this, an armed man rode another mule,
and led the one which carried him. His wife
AID child were placed upon al o-her muie,and
thus arranged they started for the everywhere
to be put on board boat and carried down
1t was thought eXpedlent to let h S wife ac'
company him, not on account OF any Symra-
thy which they had for him, but because they
thought he would not be so likely to run away
il his wife and child we're with him. And in
addition to this, his master was fearful that
his wife had obtained too much geographical
knowledge about the country in general and
Canada in particular to render it safe 10 keep
her with his other slaves, lest she might in
part some Of that information to them, there.
fore he determined to part with them all.
Being thus strongly guarded, he, his wife
and child were transported to Louisville, aud
there a Mr.. Garrison took charge Of them
He was put in confinement for three months,
during which time Garrison had collected
sufficient number to start for New Orleans.
While he WAS at Louisville his old master
came into the prison to see him, He was
very gracious and full Of smiles, and told him
he had some very especial business with him,
at the same time holding five silver dollars i'll
his hand.
"Wel," said Bibb, fee ing now some degree
Of independence in his prison, ''whatis your
business ?"
/" If you tell me the truth, and answer
such questions rs | may ask you, | viii
give you the five dollars" replied his mas
ter.
Let me hear the questions first, and then
| will decide whether answer them or not"
said Bib.
We!l,' replied the master, Il will. Did
you give Jack and Dick any information
about Canada? Now answer me truly, and
this money is yours"
"Do you suppose l would be so mean as to
disclose to you the factif l did inform them 2"
asked Bibb. ono, no, you cannot draw these
secrets from me. Why do you want this in
formation 7"
For this reason-Jack and Dick have ran
away
Indccdw answered Bibb "Then they
have made their escape, have they? Well,
[ cannot help it. can give you no informl-
ton upon the subject, therefore you can keep
your money until you find slave more ready |
TO turn traitor than l am.
Upon this the Shareholder left the prison
with a flea in his ear. Soon after this he and !!
many other slaves were bound together and
made up what is termed drive. In this
manner they were pat in boat and carried
to New Orleans, stopping, however,at Match |
ez, where an attempt was made to dispose of
them. Many purchasers came to see Bib, |
but they s nd he would run away, for the
devil was in his eye" The attempt 10 dispose
Of him here proved abortye, and he and 9th
ers were carried to New Orleans. In tbs city
they were put in the Negro Yard" as it is !
termed and exposed for sale Many per-
sons came to examine the stock. Here were
men, women and children in The yard, wat.
ing to find new masters. Every one who ex-
amincl Bib was afraid to purchase him, re-
peating the phrase which was used at Match
ez, The devil is in his eye" They said
they would not have him on any account, for
he would not only run away himself, butplay
the very devil with the others, and induce
them to run away too. lie described the man
ner Of selling negroes in this great market
Mothers were placed upon the "Auction
block" and struck off, pleading with the
tears streaming from their eyes for their
children to be permitted to 90 with them, but
these prayers were unheedcd when the al
mighty dollar stood in the way. Husbands,
too, we're separated from their wives, and
wives from their husbands. lie says the
French buy female slaves and use them as
their wives. The children which issue from |
such connexions, grow up into Creoles,and in |
time hold slaves themselves. This race is !
quite numerous in New Orleans.
Garrison found it quite a difficult task to
dispose Of Bib for he rcsembed the Creoles
very much, and the Shareholders were afraid
to purchase him. He told very amusing an.
necdotc in this connection. Garrison per-
mitted him to 90 round the city and try to
find purchaser for himself, wife and child
He put on some Of Garr,son's clothes, mot our
Garrison's) his boots, and riggcd himself de-
Gently. After going about the city some
time, he found a man from Tennessee who
wanted TO purchase some slaves. Approach
ing him he said " Sir, unde stand you are
DESTROYS Of purchasing slaves 2"
" think shall purchase some, but have
not yet disposed of my lumber" replied the
IenncSseean, looking at him very sharply