erify the statement. In this instance, before the Committee
were fully satisfied, they felt it necessary to make inquiry of
trustworthy Charlestonians to ascertain if John were really from
Charleston, and if he were actually owned by the man that he represented
as having owned him, Dr. Philip Mazyck, by name; and furthermore, to
learn if the master was really of the brutal character given him. The
testimony of thoroughly reliable persons, who were acquainted with
master and slave, so far as this man's bondage in Charleston was
concerned, fully corroborated his statement, and the Committee could not
but credit his story; indeed they were convinced, that he had been one
of the greatest of sufferers and the chief of heroes. Nevertheless his
story was not written out, and can only be hinted at. Perhaps more time
was consumed in its investigation and in listening to a recital of his
sufferings than could well be spared; perhaps it was thought, as was
often the case, unless full justice could be given him, the story would
be spoiled; or perhaps the appalling nature of his sufferings rendered
the pen powerless, and made the heart too sick for the task. Whether it
was so or not in this case, it was not unfrequently so in other
instances, as is well remembered. It will be necessary, in the
subsequent pages of this work, to omit the narratives of a great many
who, unfortunately, were but briefly noted on the books at the time of
their arrival. In the eyes of some, this may prove disappointing,
especially in instances where these pages are turned to with the hope of
gaining a clue to certain lost ones. As all, however, cannot be
mentioned, and as the general reader will look for incidents and facts
which will most fittingly bring out the chief characteristics in the
career and escape of bondmen, the reasonableness of this course must be
obvious to all.

* * * * *

CHARLES GILBERT.

FLEEING FROM DAVIS A NEGRO TRADER, SECRETED UNDER A HOTEL, UP A TREE,
UNDER A FLOOR, IN A THICKET, ON A STEAMER. In 1854 Charles was owned in
the city of Richmond by Benjamin Davis, a notorious negro trader.
Charles was quite a "likely-looking article," not too black or too
white, but rather of a nice "ginger-bread color." Davis was of opinion
that this "article" must bring him a tip-top price. For two or three
months the trader advertised Charles for sale in the papers, but for
some reason or other Charles di