rs, "Sam" was
hired out by the doctor at blacksmithing; in this situation, daily
wearing the yoke of unrequited labor, through the kindness of Harriet
Tubman (sometimes called "Moses"), the light of the Underground Rail
Road and Canada suddenly illuminated his mind. It was new to him, but he
was quite too intelligent and liberty-loving, not to heed the valuable
information which this sister of humanity imparted. Thenceforth he was
in love with Canada, and likewise a decided admirer of the U.R. Road.
Harriet was herself, a shrewd and fearless agent, and well understood
the entire route from that part of the country to Canada. The spring
previous, she had paid a visit to the very neighborhood in which "Sam"
lived, expressly to lead her own brothers out of "Egypt." She succeeded.
To "Sam" this was cheering and glorious news, and he made up his mind,
that before a great while, Indian Creek should have one less slave and
that Canada should have one more citizen. Faithfully did he watch an
opportunity to carry out his resolution. In due time a good Providence
opened the way, and to "Sam's" satisfaction he reached Philadelphia,
having encountered no peculiar difficulties. The Committee, perceiving
that he was smart, active, and promising, encouraged his undertaking,
and having given him friendly advice, aided him in the usual manner.
Letters of introduction were given him, and he was duly forwarded on his
way. He had left his father, mother, and one sister behind. Samuel and
Catharine were the names of his parents. Thus far, his escape would seem
not to affect his parents, nor was it apparent that there was any other
cause why the owner should revenge himself upon them.

The father was an old local preacher in the Methodist Church--much
esteemed as an inoffensive, industrious man; earning his bread by the
sweat of his brow, and contriving to move along in the narrow road
allotted colored people bond or free, without exciting a spirit of ill
will in the pro-slavery power of his community. But the rancor awakened
in the breast of slave-holders in consequence of the high-handed step
the son had taken, brought the father under suspicion and hate. Under
the circumstances, the eye of Slavery could do nothing more than watch
for an occasion to pounce upon him. It was not long before the desired
opportunity presented itself. Moved by parental affection, the old man
concluded to pay a visit to his boy, to see how he was faring in a
dis