wayward servants, as it is but
fair to give credit to all concerned. True, sometimes some of these
beautiful advertisements were open to gentle criticism. The one at the
head of this report, is clearly of this character. For instance, in
describing Isaac, Mr. Thomas B. Owings, represents him as being of a
"very light color," "almost yellow," "might be called a yellow boy." In
the next breath he has no perceptible marks. Now, if he is "very light,"
that is a well-known southern mark, admitted everywhere. A hint to the
wise is sufficient. However, judging from what was seen of Isaac in
Philadelphia, there was more cunning than "foolishness" about him.
Slaves sometimes, when wanting to get away, would make their owners
believe that they were very happy and contented. And, in using this kind
of foolishness, would keep up appearances until an opportunity offered
for an escape. So Isaac might have possessed this sagacity, which
appeared like nonsense to his master. That slave-holders, above all
others, were in the habit of taking special pains to encourage
foolishness, loud laughing, banjo playing, low dancing, etc., in the
place of education, virtue, self-respect and manly carriage,
slave-holders themselves are witnesses.

As Mr. Robert Dade was also a loser, equally with Mr. Thomas B. Owings,
and as his advertisement was of the same liberality and high tone, it
seems but fitting that it should come in just here, to give weight and
completeness to the story. Both Owings and Dade showed a considerable
degree of southern chivalry in the liberality of their rewards.
Doubtless, the large sums thus offered awakened a lively feeling in the
breasts of old slave-hunters. But it is to be supposed that the artful
fugitives safely reached Philadelphia before the hunters got even the
first scent on their track. Up to the present hour, with the owners all
may be profound mystery; if so, it is to be hoped, that they may feel
some interest in the solution of these wonders. The articles so
accurately described must now be permitted to testify in their own
words, as taken from the records.

Green Modock acknowledges that he was owned by William Dorsey, Perry by
Robert Dade, Sam and Isaac by Thomas Owings, all farmers, and all
"tough" and "pretty mean men." Sam and Isaac had other names with them,
but not such a variety of clothing as their master might have supposed.
Sam said he left because his master threatened to sell him to Georgia,
an