friend, Thomas Garrett, of Wilmington, five miles distant, in regard to
the matter, inviting him to see the fugitives. Early on Second day
morning (Monday), Thomas went over with John Wales, attorney at law. The
latter soon obtained a writ of habeas corpus from Judge Booth of New
Castle, which was served upon the sheriff; who, therefore, brought the
whole party before Judge Booth, who discharged them at once, as being
illegally detained by the sheriff. Thomas Garrett, with the consent of
the judge, then hired a carriage to take the woman and four children
over to Wilmington, Samuel and the two older boys walked, so they all
escaped from the man-hunters. They went from Wilmington to Byberry, and
settled near the farm of Robert Purvis. Samuel Hawkins and wife have
since died, but their descendants still live in that neighborhood, under
the name of Hackett.

Soon after the departure of the fugitives from New Castle jail, the
constable arrived with new commitments from William Streets, and
presented them in due form to the sheriff; who informed him that they
had been liberated by order of Judge Booth! A few hours after, William
Hardcastle arrived from Philadelphia, expecting to take Samuel Hawkins
and his family to Queen Ann's county, Maryland. Judge of his
disappointment at finding they were beyond his control--absolutely gone!
They returned to Middletown in great anger, and threatened to prosecute
William Streets for his participation in the affair.

After the departure of the Hawkins family from Middletown, I returned
home to see what had become of S.D. Burris and his four men. I found
them taking some solid refreshment, preparatory to taking a long walk in
the snow. They left about nine P.M., for Wilmington. I sent by S.D.
Burris a letter to Thomas Garrett, detailing the arrest and commitment
of S. Hawkins and family to New Castle jail. They all arrived safely in
Wilmington before daylight next morning. Burris waited to hear the
result of the expedition to New Castle; and actually had the pleasure of
seeing S. Hawkins and family arrive in Wilmington.

Samuel Burris returned to my house early on Third day morning, with a
letter from Thomas Garrett, giving me a description of the whole
transaction. My joy on this occasion was great! and I returned thanks to
God for this wonderful escape of so many human beings from the
charnel-house of Slavery.

OFFICERS OF THE ROAD.

[Illustration: JOHN HUNN]

[Illustration: