learning to read
and write. We are pleased to note that no charges of ill-treatment are
found recorded against Dr. M. in the narrative of "Sam."

True, it appears that he had been sold several times in his younger
days, and had consequently been made to feel keenly, the smarts of
Slavery, but nothing of this kind was charged against Dr. M., so that he
may be set down as a pretty fair man, for aught that is known to the
contrary, with the exception of depriving "Sam" of the just reward of
his labor, which, according to St. James, is pronounced a "fraud." The
doctor did not keep "Sam" so closely confined to dentistry and
book-keeping that he had no time to attend occasionally to outside
duties. It appears that he was quite active and successful as an
Underground Rail Road agent, and rendered important aid in various
directions. Indeed, Sam had good reason to suspect that the
slave-holders were watching him, and that if he remained, he would most
likely find himself in "hot water up to his eyes." Wisdom dictated that
he should "pull up stakes" and depart while the way was open. He knew
the captains who were then in the habit of taking similar passengers,
but he had some fears that they might not be able to pursue the business
much longer. In contemplating the change which he was about to make,
"Sam" felt it necessary to keep his movements strictly private. Not even
was he at liberty to break his mind to his wife and child, fearing that
it would do them no good, and might prove his utter failure. His wife's
name was Edna and his daughter was called Elizabeth; both were slaves
and owned by E.P. Tabb, Esq., a hardware merchant of Norfolk.

No mention is made on the books, of ill-treatment, in connection with
his wife's servitude; it may therefore be inferred, that her situation
was not remarkably hard. It must not be supposed that "Sam" was not
truly attached to his wife. He gave abundant proof of true matrimonial
devotion, notwithstanding the secrecy of his arrangements for flight.
Being naturally hopeful, he concluded that he could better succeed in
securing his wife after obtaining freedom himself, than in undertaking
the task beforehand.

The captain had two or three other Underground Rail Road male passengers
to bring with him, besides "Sam," for whom, arrangements had been
previously made--no more could be brought that trip. At the appointed
time, the passengers were at the disposal of the captain of the schooner
whi