, the writer omitted some of the most important particulars in the
escapes and narratives of fugitives. Books and papers were sent away for
a long time, and during this time the records were kept simply on loose
slips of paper.

* * * * *

ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1860.

JERRY MILLS, AND WIFE, DIANA, SON, CORNELIUS, AND TWO DAUGHTERS,
MARGARET, AND SUSAN.

The father of this family was sixty-five years of age, and his working
days were apparently well nigh completed. The mother was fifty-seven
years of age; son twenty-seven; daughters seventeen and fifteen years of
age.

The old man was smart for his years, but bore evidence that much hard
labor had been wrung out of him by Slavery. Diana said that she had been
the mother of twelve children; five had escaped to Canada, three were in
their graves, and three accompanied her; one was left in Maryland. They
had seen hard times, according to the testimony of the old man and his
companion, especially under David Snively, who, however, had been
"removed by the Lord" a number of years prior to their escape; but the
change proved no advantage to them, as they found Slavery no better
under their mistress, the widow, than under their master. Mistress
Snively was said to be close and stingy, and always unfriendly to the
slave. "She never thought you were doing enough." For her hardness of
heart they were sure she would repent some time, but not while she could
hold slaves. The belief was pretty generally entertained with the slaves
that the slaveholder would have to answer for his evil doings in another
world.

* * * * *

TWELVE MONTHS IN THE WOODS, 1860.

HENRY COTTON.

As a slave, subjected to the whims and passions of his master, Henry
made up his mind that he could not stand it longer. The man who mastered
it over him was called Nathaniel Dixon, and lived in Somerset Co., near
Newtown. This Dixon was not content with his right to flog and abuse
Henry as he saw fit, but he threatened to sell him, as he would sell a
hog.

At this time Henry was about twenty-four years of age, but a man of more
substantial parts physically was rarely to be seen. Courage was one of
his prominent traits. This threat only served to arouse him completely.
He had no friends save such as were in the same condition with himself,
nevertheless he determined not to be sold. How he should escape this
fate did no