ject was under the
ownership of a certain John Ernie, who lived about three miles from
Baltimore. Mr. Ernie had only been in possession of the wayward
Alexander three weeks, having purchased him of a trader named Dennit,
for $550. This was not the first time, however, that he had experienced
the trouble of changing masters, in consequence of having been sold.
Previously to his being disposed of by the trader Dennit, he had been
owned by Senator Merrick, who had the misfortune to fail in business, in
consequence whereof, his slaves had all to be sold and Alexander with
the rest, away from his wife, Caroline, and two children, James and
Eliezer.

This was a case that appealed for sympathy and aid, which were
cheerfully rendered by the Committee. Alexander was about fifty years of
age, of dark color. On the Records no account of cruel treatment is
found, other than being sold, &c.

JOHN BROWN, alias JACOB WILLIAMS, arrived from Fredericktown, Md., where
he had been working under the yoke of Joseph Postly. John was a young
man of twenty-nine years of age. Up to the hour of his escape, his lot
had been that of an ordinary slave. Indeed, he had much less to complain
of with reference to usage than most slaves; the only thing in this
respect the records contain, is simply a charge, that his master
threatened to sell him. But this did not seem to have been the motive
which prompted John to take leave of his master. Although untutored, he
had mind enough to comprehend that Postly had no right to oppress him,
and wrong him out of his hire. John concluded that he would not stand
such treatment any longer, and made up his mind to leave for Canada.
After due examination the Committee, finding his story reasonable, gave
him the usual assistance, advice and instruction, and sent him on
Canada-ward.

SAMUEL SLATER, alias PATTERSON SMITH, came from a place called Power
Bridge, Md. He gave a satisfactory account of himself, and was commended
for having wisely left his master, William Martin, to earn his bread by
the sweat of his own brow. Martin had held up the vision of the
auction-block before Sam; this was enough. Sam saw that it was time for
him to be getting out of danger's way without delay, so he presumed, if
others could manage to escape, he could too. And he succeeded. He was a
stout man, about twenty-nine years of age, of dark complexion. No
particular mention of ill treatment is found on the Records.

After arrivi