Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-07-16
ADVERTISEMENT
To the Public.

Some publications in the papers have placed
me in false position before you. / am an hum.
BILE individual depending on public patronage for
my support, and those depending on me. Ihaye
my rights and claim justice of the law
purchased the girl Sarah of Mr.. Carson's O.
gent, at $1,000. / was partly induced to do so
through her frequent entreaties, and the persua-
sions OF others; and partly on account of her
high character as a qualified, industrious. and
faithful servant, given her by those who knew
her better than myself. / afterwards, from hu.
name feelings, not for the purpose of doing pub
lie or private injury, consented that she might
return to Stanton and hunt q master in the
neighborhood of her friends, mother and only
child. The separation from the latter prayed SO
much on her mind that it not only enlisted the
sympathy of friends, but of strangers, in her be-
half; and while others have the right TO sepa-
rate them, claim the right, as freeman to
unite them, whenever it is in my power. Fail
ing to sell her at Staunton at the price paid for
her, set on foot, under the advice of friends. q
subscription to purchase her freedom and send
her off. Many ladies and gentlemen, who were
acquainted with her, promised and subscribed
for her aid, from the best of motives no doubt;
and l, instead OF making it matter of specula-
ton, agreed to loose 800, and took the whole
risk on myself in case of death or her proving
faithless.
From the encouragement she received in the
outset / had every confidence that the money
would be raised at home, there being very little
opposition made in my undertaking, not even
from her former master and the owner Of her
child, from whom obtained the promise to lib
crate the child should the mother be successful.
But all that was subscribed and promised a.
mounted to only between four and five hundred
dollars.
I deny that had any part or agency in get
ting up the tale about her parentage.
In the month of April, with the consent of
friends, | permitted Sarah togo in company with
gentleman from the Valley, (who happened to
be in Richmond as delegate to the Grand
Division of the |. 0. 0. F,) to Washington, to
try there to raise the balance of the money need
ed. There she remained under the charge and
control of a Southern friend, and raised several
hundred dollars more. All this was done with
the full knowledge of the community at Staun-
ton and her former owner. In the meantime l
received very kind letter from lawyer in
Washington, who wrote at the request of Sarah's
friends, asking my permission TO let Sarah 60 to
New York, where the money could more speed
lily be raised, and that should be Unidentified
against all risk. To this objected and referred
him to my friend there who had her under his
control. He was then applied to and gave his
consent, with the express understanding that
there was no newspaper notoriety to be made
about the matter, to which he knew | was OPP
posed, and as he supposed that the balance would
be raise by subscription as elsewhere was as
much astonished as any one else to read the
Brooklyn proceedings-to find it in the papers
ut all, not having anything of the kind anticipa-
ted. But was more so to find such mistate-
ments and embellishments; some matters that
had never heard of, and some which knew
to be untrue. | am notiin the smallest degree
responsible for those proceedings, except in SO
far as my friend in Washington put it iD the
power Of Sarahs friend there to let her 60 to
New York. She told her own tale in Washing
ION, New York, and Brooklyn. had no part in
It. Her friends in these places have scithout any
suggestion. from me-,oithout my knowledge and
H. opposition to y express aoish and instruction
made the affair public in their own way and
words. ssA 49,
/ claim for this truthful statement your Just
consideration. If have done wrong condemn
me to that extent; but do not hold me response
BILE for the sins and wrongs of others. Consider
my motives, with the unforeseen result; but do
not let my humble condition or my business-call-
ing cause me to be overshadowed by the wealth,
influence and high social positions Of others, or
by the ISLANDERS of enemies who envy my success
md prosperity; and let those friends and ac-
Iuaintances in the Valley, who have had nu-
nervous dealings and transactions with me, say
whether have ever, through any act of mine,
orfeited their confidence and esteem.
fcfse u i. SCHEEFER.