laves and sometimes he would
sell," etc. John was one of the slaves who were "hired out." He "desired
to have the privilege of hunting his own master." His desire was not
granted. Instead of meekly submitting, John felt wronged, and made this
his reason for running away. This looked pretty spirited on the part of
one so young as John. The Committee's respect for him was not a little
increased, when they heard him express himself.

Benjamin was twenty-eight years of age, chestnut color, medium size, and
shrewd. He was the so-called property of Eliza Ann Brodins, who lived
near Buckstown, in Maryland. Ben did not hesitate to say, in unqualified
terms, that his mistress was "very devilish." He considered his charges,
proved by the fact that three slaves (himself one of them) were required
to work hard and fare meagerly, to support his mistress' family in
idleness and luxury. The Committee paid due attention to his ex parte
statement, and was obliged to conclude that his argument, clothed in
common and homely language, was forcible, if not eloquent, and that he
was well worthy of aid. Benjamin left his parents besides one sister,
Mary Ann Williamson, who wanted to come away on the Underground Rail
Road.

Henry left his wife, Harriet Ann, to be known in future by the name of
"Sophia Brown." He was a fellow-servant of Ben's, and one of the
supports of Eliza A. Brodins.

Henry was only twenty-two, but had quite an insight into matters and
things going on among slaves and slave-holders generally, in country
life. He was the father of two small children, whom he had to leave
behind.

Peter was owned by George Wenthrop, a farmer, living near Cambridge, Md.
In answer to the question, how he had been used, he said "hard." Not a
pleasant thought did he entertain respecting his master, save that he
was no longer to demand the sweat of Peter's brow. Peter left parents,
who were free; he was born before they were emancipated, consequently,
he was retained in bondage.

Jane, aged twenty-two, instead of regretting that she had unadvisedly
left a kind mistress and indulgent master, who had afforded her
necessary comforts, affirmed that her master, "Rash Jones, was the worst
man in the country." The Committee were at first disposed to doubt her
sweeping statement, but when they heard particularly how she had been
treated, they thought Catharine had good ground for all that she said.
Personal abuse and hard usage, were