The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-14
THE REPUB LIC.

stant relates pathetic account OF the fate OF
Thomas II. Ringgold, mulauo barber, well
known at that place, to the effect that being flu
gitive slave he had recently raised the money for
the purchase Of the right OF ownership which other
people had in him. and sent il on 10 them at Wash
ington; that they returned receipt and release.
but at the same time informed him that in order to
procure thoroughly legal free papers il was i'm
portant or necessary for him 10 on here; that
he accordingly started. fortnight prior to the
time of writing, intending not to be absent over a
week; but that his prolonged absence, with no ex-
planatory word from him, gives occasion for
anxiety TO his family and friends. as it proyokes
the suspicion that he may have been kidnapped
and returned gain TO slavery. The Republican also
adds sWe believe his friends and advisers here
counseled him to go to Washington, and though
we cannot understand the necessity or importance
of such journey TO the attainment of the object
named, we are 10th to believe that those who have
received the price they set upon him and signed
release, should be guilty of the damnable deed of
entcing him South under false pretence, and
then re-enslaving him."
The Boston Commonwealth of the / lth enlarges
upon this subject and adds the following particu-
ar,,
awe learn that Rnggold did not go 10 Washing
ton, represented above by advice of his friends
but in spite oil their rcmonstrances. lie placed I'M
bounded confidence in one X. Il. Sheckles, a Gov
eminent official, at whose instance he raised the
money, 5000, which he sent to Sheckles to pay to
the heirs OF the late Mr. Brown, (of Browns hotel
his former master for his freedom. After Shec kles
had received the money lie wrote 10 him as follows
"Dear Rnggod According to promise, have
transacted the business for you, and called on the
Browns, and they promise to get your papers for
you next Saturday. But in order 10 have the whole
thing attended to legally it is necessary that you
should be here personally as early the 18th inst.
r. Il. SnEcKLEs.'
f'Fhis was written in January, and smacls OF
hypocrisy. The friends Of Ringgold have received
letter purporting to be from him, since his arrival
in Washington, saying that the business was COM
pleted, and he would be at home in week. 1t is
suspected to be forgery. Mr. Ashmun has been
telegraphed to make inquiries bout Ringgold
"He escaped from Washington about two years
ago, in the suite Of an Italian opera troupe, his
| complexion being light that he was mistaken
| for one of the Italians"
| We are reluctant to say any thing that can de-
tract from the interest Of this story, but in obe-
dience to the ancient apothegm, that the truth
can do no HARM we constrained to correct il
in some important particulars That Rnggold
the slave Of the Messrs. Brown is true; that he
| absconded from them is true; that Mr. Richard T
sheckes called upon the Messrs. Brown, paid them
a sum Of money, and procured the freedom papers
Of Ringgold is oil true; but is not true that the
Messrs. Brown required the presence of Rnggod
in Washington, or that, so far as we can learn, il
was essential to any legal form; nor can we learn
| that he was moested while here. On the contrary
after enjoying the freedom Of the city for number
OF days, and protracting his stay Of his own free
will and accord, for doubt entirely salts
factory to himself, he departed day two age
for his northern home, where we hope he will be
able to give consolation to his anxious friends.
OF Mr.. Sheckles's agency in this matter we know
nothing more than is above stated; bat as he was
the agent of Ringgold, and not Of the Browns, il
appears hardly wise in the Commonwealth to dc.
nouncc him. He is no doubt, however, competent
to take care of his own good name, and we shall
not NEEDLE with it. Our chief concern is for the
fame four city, which, although at times mo- wed
and melted by the devil to deeds Of very dubiou.
| propriety. is not quite bad az our chariabl,
friends Of the old Bay State would represent it. W.
think that we can even extend protection and cor
dial welcome to any Of its editors who may have
courage enough to visit u.s. with all their inperfcc-
tons on their heads
The ApELrnI.--Ths establishment opened or
Wednesday evening with large and delighted
audience 10 witness the first appearance of Sill
| William Don, and the performance went off with
| great eclat. But regret TO say that, from in
disposition, Mrs Lewis prevented from max
ing her appearance. We understand she will pro
badly be well enough to appear this evening, ant
no doubt will receive the welcome which her higI
merit as actrcss deserves.
| NATIONAL HALL.-The houses at this establish
ment are still OVERLOOKING and Miss Davenport
seems to exercise charm over our most potent
grave, and reverend Senators, and it s not matter
Of surprise for her readings and elocuon are of 81
high an order, that men OF intellect approach hcI
on that account, and also because her acting s the
acting of mind, and this beams 70 rth in every char
acter she suetains. This evening she perform
| in Loves Sacrifice the very interesting charac
ter of Margaret Elmore; and TO morrow, for hcl
benefit and last night of her engagement, in botl
comedy and afterpiece-Lady Tcazle and MargcrJ
in the Rough Diamond ~
0o-Mr. G. ". JAMES, No Harisonstreet
| Cincinnati. Ohm. is Our General TTQppIIing dgen