he better. His father's example was ever
present to encourage him, for he had escaped when Henry was a little
boy; (his name was Benjamin Tucker). A still greater incentive, however,
moved him, which was that his mother had been sold South five years
prior to his escape, since which time he had heard of her but once, and
that vaguely.

Although education was denied him, Henry had too much natural ability to
content himself under the heel of Slavery. He saw and understood the
extent of the wrongs under which he suffered, and resolved not to abide
in such a condition, if, by struggling and perseverance, he could avoid
it. In his resolute attempt he succeeded without any very severe
suffering. He was not large, rather below the ordinary size, of a brown
color, and very plucky.

* * * * *

ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.

PETER NELSON. (RESEMBLED AN IRISHMAN.)

The coming of this strange-looking individual caused much surprise,
representing, as he did, if not a full-blooded Irishman, a man of Irish
descent. He was sufficiently fair to pass for white anywhere, with his
hat on--with it off, his hair would have betrayed him; it was light, but
quite woolly. Nor was he likely to be called handsome; he was
interesting, nevertheless. It was evident, that the "white man's party"
had damaged him seriously. He represented that he had been in the bonds
of one James Ford, of Stafford county, Virginia, and that this "Ford was
a right tough old fellow, who owned about two dozen head." "How does he
treat them?" he was asked. "He don't treat them well no way," replied
the passenger. "Why did you leave?" was the next question. "Because of
his fighting, knocking and carrying on so," was the prompt answer. The
Committee fully interviewed him, and perceived that he had really worn
the fetters of Slavery, and that he was justified in breaking his bonds
and fleeing for refuge to Canada, and was entitled to aid and sympathy.
Peter was about twenty-four years of age. He left nine brothers and
sisters in bondage.

* * * * *

ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, 1858.

MARY JONES AND SUSAN BELL.

These "weaker vessels" came from the seat of government. Mary confessed
that she had been held to service as the property of Mrs. Henry Harding,
who resided at Rockville, some miles out of Washington. Both Mr. and Mrs
Harding she considered "bad enough," but added, "if it had