Smyrna times., 1871-02-01

undoubtedly free, and returned to this city.
On the following day, he and U. S. Senator
W ales went over and had the party taken be-
fore Judge Booth, on writ of hdbeds cOrDus
Judge Booth decided that there was no evil
dence on which to hold them, chat in the alb.
sence OF evidence the presumption lcas dl,caw
IN faror Of freedom, and discharged them.
MIR. Garrett then said here is this woman
with with babe at her breast, the child suf-
terng from white swelling on its leg, is
there any lmprOpriety in my getting a carriage
and helping them over to Wilmington Judge
Booth responded certainly not.
Mr.. Garrett then hired the carriage, but
gave the driver distinctly to understand that
he only pald tor the woman and the young
children: the rest might walk They all got
in, however, and finally escaped, of course the
two children born in slavery amongst the rest.
Six weeks afterwards the slave holders fol-
lowed them, and melted, it is said, by the
Cochrans and James A Bayard commenced a
suit against Mr.. Garrett, claiming all the iugi-
tlves as slaves. Mr.. CARROTS friends claim
that the jury was packed to secure an adverse
verdict. The trial came on before Chief j us
tice fancy and Judge Hall, in the May term
ll847) Of the u. s. Court, sitting at New
Castle, Bayard representing the prosecutors
and Wales the detendent. There were four
trials in all, lasting three days. We have not
room here for the details of the trial, but the
iurieS awarded even heavier damages than the
plaintiffs claimed, and the judgements swept
away every dollar Of his property
When the trials were concluded Mr.. Gar
rett arose, the court being ad djourncd, made a
speech OF an hour to the large crowd in the
court room, in II c course of which he declar-
his intention to redouble his exertons, so help
him God. His bold assertion was greeted with
mingled cheers and hisses and at the conclu-
sion OF his speech one of the jurors who had
convicted him strobe across the benches,
grasped his hand, and begged his forgiveness.
Mr.. Garrett kept his pledge and redoubed
his exertions. The trial advertised him. and
such was the demand on him for shelter that
he was compelled to put another story on his
back buildings. His friends helped him tC
start again in business, and commencing anew
IN his Goth year with nothing, he again amass
ed handsome competence, generously con
trlhuting all the while to every work in hehal
of the wn-trodden blacks or his suffering
fellOw-men of any color
In time too, became to be honored instead
OF eXecratcd for his noble efforts. Whining
ton became an abolition city, and for once a
eIst prophet was not without honor in hi
own city. Mr.. Garrett continued his interest il
every reform up to his last illness, and proba
bly, his last appearance in any public capacity
was as president of Woman Suffrage meet
ing, in the City Hall, few months ago, whc
was addressed by Julia Ward Howe, Luc
Stone, and Henry b. Blackw
lie was beloved almost to alteration by hi
dusky hucd friends, and in the dark days q
the beginning Of the war which every Wi
: mingtonian will remember with a shudder, i
! those days of doubt, confusion and suspicion
without his knowledge or consent, Thoma
Garretts house was constantly surrounded an
: watched by faithful black men, resolved thai
come veal come woe, to them, no harm sha
come to the benefactor of their race.