Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1853-11-11
Scenes from the Life of a PhilanthrOpist

resided in the souther part of Virginia. lie
went to Philadelphia and remained there un-
discovered for several years But he was
never quite free from anxiety, lest in some
unlucky hour, he shqpld be arrested and car
ried back to bondage. When he had laid up
some money, he called upon Isaac L. Hopper
to assist him in buying the free use Of his
limbs. \ negotiation was opened with Col.
Ridgcly, who agreed to take two hundred
dollars for the fugitive and appointed time
to come to Philadclphi4 to arrange the bus
mess. But instead Of keeping his agreement
honorably, he went to that city several weeks
before the specified time, watched for his
bondman, seized him, and conveyed him to
friend lIoppcr's Office. When the promised
two hundred dollars were offered he refused
to accept them.
".Whv. that is the sum thou hast agreed
upon" said friend Hopper.
" know that, replied the Colonel. but
| won't take it now. llc was the best servant
| ever had. can sell him for one thousand
dollars in Virginia. Under present circum-
stances. | will take five hundred dollars for
him. and not one cent less.
After considerable discussion. friend Hop
per urged him to allow his bondman until ten
o'clock next morning, tn sec what he could do
among his friends and he himself gave Il
written UIlitN ~ W.
livcrcd up to him at that hour, in case he
could not procure five hundred dollars to pur-
chase his freedom,
When the Master was gone. friend Hopper
said to the alarmed fugitive;
There now rrmlinS but one WAY for thee
to obtain thy trccdom AS to raising five
hundred dollars, that is out of the question.
But if thou wilt be prompt and roSulutc, and
do precisely what | tell thee, think thou
canSt ret off Safely
-. will do anything for Freedom replied
the bondnan - for have made up my mind
come what may. that never will 90 back into
slavery again
VSrv well them" rcioincd his friend
Don't get frightened when the right mo-
mcnt comes to act; but keep thy wits about
thee, and do as tell thee. Thy master will
como hero Tomorrow ut ten o clock, accord
ing to appointment. must deliver thee W
to him, and receive back the obligation for
one thousand dollars, which have given him.
Do thou stand with thy back against the door
which opens from this room into the parlor
When he has returned the paper to me-, opcr
the door quickly, lock it on the inside, and
run through the parlor into the back yard
There is II wall there eight feet high. with
spikes at the top Thou wilt find Il clothes
horse leaning against it to hclp thee up
When thou hast mountcd kick the clothes
Horse down behind thee. drop on the other
side of the wall, and be off. = The premises
were then shown to him. and he received
minute directions through what alleys and
streets he had better pass and at what house
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