"buckle and strap meet." Once he had been sold on the
auction-block. A sister of his had also shared the same fate. While
seriously contemplating his life as a slave, he was soon led to the
conclusion that it was his duty to bend his entire energies towards
freeing himself and his family if possible. The idea of not being able
to properly provide for his family rendered him quite unhappy; he
therefore resolved to seek a passage North, via the Underground Rail
Road. To any captain who would aid him in the matter, he resolved to
offer a large reward, and determined that the amount should only be
limited by his inability to increase it. Finally, after much anxious
preparation, agreement was entered into with Captain B., on behalf of
himself, wife, child, and Louisa Bell, which was mutually satisfactory
to all concerned, and afforded great hope to William. In due time the
agreement was carried into effect, and all arrived safely and were
delivered into the hands of the Committee in Philadelphia. The fare of
the four cost $240, and William was only too grateful to think, that a
Captain could be found who would risk his own liberty in thus aiding a
slave to freedom.

The Committee gladly gave them aid and succor, and agreed with William
that the Captain deserved all that he received for their deliverance.
The arrival of William, wife, and child in Canada was duly announced by
the agent at St. Catharines, Rev. H. Wilson, as follows:

ST. CATHARINES, C.W., June 28th, 1855.

MR. WM. STILL:--_My Dear Friend_:--I am happy to announce the
safe arrival of Thomas Russell with his wife and child. They
have just arrived. I am much pleased with their appearance. I
shall do what I can for their comfort and encouragement. They
stopt at Elmira from Monday night till this morning, hoping that
Lucy Bell would come up and join them at that place. They are
very anxious to hear from her, as they have failed of meeting
with her on the way or finding her here in advance of them. They
wish to hear from you as soon as you can write, and would like
to know if you have forwarded Lucy on, and if so, what route you
sent her. They send their kind respects to you and your family
and many thanks for your kindness to them.

They wish you to inquire after Lucy if any harm has befallen her
after her leaving Philadelphia. Please write promptly in my
care.

Yours truly in the love of