t
until he found himself on the Underground Rail Road.

His master was a member of the Century Methodist Church, as was also his
wife and family; but Lewis thought that they were strangers to practical
Christianity, judging from the manner that the slaves were treated by
both master and mistress. Lewis was a Baptist, and belonged to the
second church. Twelve hundred dollars had been offered for him. He left
his father (Judville), and his brother, John Harris, both slaves. In
view of his prospects in Canada, Lewis' soul overflowed with pleasing
anticipations of freedom, and the Committee felt great satisfaction in
assisting him.

Nancy was also from Richmond, and came in the same boat with Lewis. She
represented the most "likely-looking female bond servants." Indeed her
appearance recommended her at once. She was neat, modest, and
well-behaved--with a good figure and the picture of health, with a
countenance beaming with joy and gladness, notwithstanding the late
struggles and sufferings through which she had passed. Young as she was,
she had seen much of slavery, and had, doubtless, profited by the
lessons thereof. At all events, it was through cruel treatment, having
been frequently beaten after she had passed her eighteenth year, that
she was prompted to seek freedom. It was so common for her mistress to
give way to unbridled passions that Nancy never felt safe. Under the
severest infliction of punishment she was not allowed to complain.
Neither from mistress nor master had she any reason to expect mercy or
leniency--indeed she saw no way of escape but by the Underground Rail
Road.

It was true that the master, Mr. William Bears, was a Yankee from
Connecticut, and his wife a member of the Episcopal Church, but Nancy's
yoke seemed none the lighter for all that. Fully persuaded that she
would never find her lot any better while remaining in their hands, she
accepted the advice and aid of a young man to whom she was engaged; he
was shrewd enough to find an agent in Richmond, with whom he entered
into a covenant to have Nancy brought away. With a cheerful heart the
journey was undertaken in the manner aforesaid, and she safely reached
the Committee. Her mother, one brother and a sister she had to leave in
Richmond. One thousand dollars were lost in the departure of Nancy.

Having been accommodated and aided by the Committee, they were forwarded
to Canada. Lewis wrote back repeatedly and expressed himself very
gratefu