next morning his father
(Thomas Williamson) brought the writ of Habeas Corpus (which had been
served at Passmore's office after he left) to the Anti-Slavery Office.
In his calm manner he handed it to the writer, at the same time
remarking that "Passmore had gone to Harrisburg," and added, "thee had
better attend to it" (the writ). Edward Hopper, Esq., was applied to
with the writ, and in the absence of Mr. Williamson, appeared before the
court, and stated "that the writ had not been served, as Mr. W. was out
of town," etc.

After this statement, the Judge postponed further action until the next
day. In the meanwhile, Mr. Williamson returned and found the writ
awaiting him, and an agitated state of feeling throughout the city
besides. Now it is very certain, that he did not seek to know from those
in the secret, where Jane Johnson and her boys were taken after they
left the wharf, or as to what disposition had been made of them, in any
way; except to ask simply, "are they safe?" (and when told "yes," he
smiled) consequently, he might have been examined for a week, by the
most skillful lawyer, at the Philadelphia bar, but he could not have
answered other than he did in making his return to the writ, before
Judge Kane, namely: "_That the persons named in the writ, nor either of
them, are now nor was at the time of issuing of the writ, or the
original writ, or at any other time in the custody, power, or possession
of the respondent, nor by him confined or restrained; wherefore he
cannot have the bodies," etc._.

Thus, while Mr. W. was subjected to the severest trial of his devotion
to Freedom, his noble bearing throughout, won for him the admiration and
sympathy of the friends of humanity and liberty throughout the entire
land, and in proof of his fidelity, he most cheerfully submitted to
imprisonment rather than desert his principles. But the truth was not
wanted in this instance by the enemies of Freedom; obedience to Slavery
was demanded to satisfy the South. The opportunity seemed favorable for
teaching abolitionists and negroes, that they had no right to interfere
with a "chivalrous southern gentleman," while passing through
Philadelphia with his slaves. Thus, to make an effective blow, all the
pro-slavery elements of Philadelphia were brought into action, and
matters looked for a time as though Slavery in this instance would have
everything its own way. Passmore was locked up in prison on the flimsy
pretext of cont