Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-07-09
chr Dailp Spy.



Mr. ]. B. Thompson, fugitive rom Slavery,
who was compelled to Gee from Philadelphia. az
Ter the passage of the Fugitive Slave Acts and
who sought refuge ia Canada, has succeeded in
procuring the sum of $500, with which to pur-
chase his freedom. The whole of this sum has
been raised since the LIST Of March, and the zeal,
energy, affection, and talents of Thompson's
wife, have contributed greatly to the success of
erhusband's own untiring exertions Mr. Thomp-
son called on on his way to Canada when the
human bloodhOunds were baying on his track;
his good wife Informed us, on Friday sth inst,
that Lyman Jones, Esq, Of Montreal, had nego-
ciated with the mansteaIer in Virginia. who
claimed her husband, and who had consented to
release all claim on him for $500: and that as
they had the money they were now returning
home
The simple story of Mrs Thompson, commence
ing with the visit of her husbands master to
her home in Philadelphia, and ending at the col
lection Of the last 81, so of the needed sum was
as graphic as a chapter Of Uncle Tom Her
husband, who is smart, good looking energetic
mulattO, left Virginia years ago, and settled in
Philadelphia, where, at the time Of his flight, he
had two Shaving and Hair-dressing establish
ments, besides owning, in his wife Is right,a home
stead.
One morning in September, 1852, the master
entered ] hompson's house, with familiar. iree
and easy swagger, threw himself into chair,
placed his heels upon the table, land slowly chew
ing, splitting and squirting around the ceiing,sud-
denly brought his eye TO bear, on Mrs. Thomp-
son, and asked her where her s'boss' was.
''He is at the shop, sir
"He'll be along soon, won't he'"
s'Yes, sr.''
'You have things pcOty nice here-seem TO
live poorly well for niggers'
''Are you from the South, SIR" said Mrs
Thompson to her impudent visitor; at the same
time her flashing eye, curing lip, and heaviDg
breast indicated the scorn she could scarcely sup
press, in obedience to the fears which had sug-
gesied her question.
''What makes you think me from the South?''
said the bully with sneer
'sBecanse Northern men know better Than 10
enter peoples houses merely for the purpose Of
insulting them.''
swell, am from the south, replied the mas
ter, sand | am come for your old man. and if
had you in Old Virginia, I'd give you SO on your
bare back every morning, and then rub you down
with salt water, and, bet, your tongue would
not wag so glib.''
'But you will never have either me or my hus-
band in Old Virginia.
By the address and GOODNESS of Mrs Thompson
her husband was informed of this visiter, and es-
capped amongst the 'tQuakers.'' In few DAYS
she converted what property she could quietly
dispose of INTO nancy, locked up her house, and,
joining her husband, started with him for Cana
da Since that period she has accompanied him,
with her little daughter, through Vermont and
other parts Of New England, giving concerts,
where they sang the touchingly paiutive songs Of
the slaves, and earning in this way the price Of
Nc. Thompson's freedom.
Wenever saw anything more touching Than
the joy expressed in the face Of Mrs Thompson, las
she recited to US the incidents of her life during
the last few months, amongst the generous farm
ers Of Vermont. and dwelt upon the fact thather
husband could now go home.
Shame, say we. to the country which repays
such love as those poor fugliyes have for it with
whips, chains. and bondage Double shame on the
bastard laws which would expatriate them, and
then rob them Of their hard earnings before they
can return home in peace.
And yet, in the face of such facts as are fur
nlshed in the history of this family, numerous
numskulls can be found who will solemnly in
form US that negroes cannot take care of them.
selves.