Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-03-27
Fred Douglass Escape from Slavery.

At the Academy of Music in Phlla-
delphia on the evening of the 10th
inst, Frederick Douglass addressed
large audience upon "reminiscences
of Slavery and Anti-slavery," and for
the first time related in public the story
of his escape from bondage, the main
facts of which were as follows:
While slavery existed | had good
reasons for not telling the story of NV
escape from bondage, and now that
that great trial is over, do not know
any good reason why should not tell
1t People generally imagined that it
was marvellous recital. but it is one
oI the most simple and commonplace
stories that could be given. | was
owned in Talbot County, on the East.
ern shore of Maryland, in 1888, and a
few years after that time made my es-
cape. had been sent up 10 Baiti
more by my master to a brother of his
| for safe keeping, but it was strange
movement TO send me sixty miles near
er my liberty. When | determined on
escaping, looked about for the proper
means 70 accomplish my purpose. At
that time great vigilance was exercised
by the authorities. Everybody was
! strictly watched, and if slave wer"
| found outside the limits of his masters
plantation, he would be liable to show
by what right he was out of place. |
was put to work in a ship-yard, and
commenced to learn the business OF
ship carpentering and caulking. Here
l had frequent Intercourse with sailors,
and IN them thought discovered
a feeling of sympathy and kindness.
Although the difficulties and obstacles
against escape were apparently insur-
mountable, conceived an idea that
could secure my release by dressing in
sailors clothing and making surrep-
titious retreat. But l had no papers
by which could pass from place to
place. Fortunately met with IA man
named Stanley, who lived in Baltimore,
and was free. He resembled me in
stature, and from him obtained a suit
of sailors clothes, and his protection
papers, and in this apparel, provided
with the necessary articles, /, in Sep
tember, 1858, secured my liberty, l
got Isaac Rhodes to take my bundle,
and, by arrangement. after the train
started he threw it in, and l ran after
and jumped on the car. II compelled
to buy ticket it would have been nee
essary to undergo the most rigid ex-
animation, and all description in the
papers must correspond exactly With
the marks on my person. According
| ly the scheme was carried out, and
soon arrived at Wilmington. Here l
met Frederick Stein, for whom / had
worked, but ! was so perfectly disguis-
ed that he did not know me. In few
moments the train from Philadelphia,
bound south, arrived, and on this was
Capt. MCGOWAN Of the Revenue Cutter
; at Baltimore, whom l had known init.
mately, and who also had heeA ac-
quainted with me, but he, too, failed "a
recognize me, When the conductor
came through the train be rudaly call.
ed on all the passengers for atickets,
, but when he came to me, M1tAad oi
speaking in an arrogant manner, told
me kindly that that he supposed / had
| my free papers. i responded in Tx
negative. but his surprise was great
} and his Indignation not apparent, when
I told him that my only pass was a
> American Eagle. Looking upon it. h
stated that was al right, aud viii
i this assurance came through TO Phil
adelphia, and proceeded to New Yoek