in her treatment of her slaves. But
yet "nothing was said about freedom," on her part. This reticence Robert
understood to mean, that she was still unconverted on this great
cardinal principle at least. As he could see no prospect of freedom
through her agency, when Frank approached him with a good report from
Canada and his friends there, he could scarcely wait to listen to the
glorious news; he was so willing and anxious to get out of slavery. His
dear old mother, Sarah Davis, and four brothers and two sisters,
William, Thomas, Frederick and Samuel, Violet and Ellen, were all owned
by Mrs. Hutchinson. Dear as they were to him, he saw no way to take them
with him, nor was he prepared to remain a day longer under the yoke; so
he decided to accompany Frank, let the cost be what it might.

Vincent is about twenty-three years of age, very "likely-looking," dark
color, and more than ordinarily intelligent for one having only the
common chances of slaves.

He was owned by the estate of Nathan Skinner, who was "looked upon," by
those who knew him, "as a good slave-holder." In slave property,
however, he was only interested to the number of twelve head. Skinner
"neither sold nor emancipated." A year and a half before Vincent
escaped, his master was called to give an account of his stewardship,
and there in the spirit land Vincent was willing to let him remain,
without much more to add about him.

Vincent left his mother, Judah Smith, and brothers and sisters, Edwin,
Angeline, Sina Ann, Adaline Susan, George, John and Lewis, all belonging
to the estate of Skinner.

Vincent was fortunate enough to bring his wife along with him. She was
about twenty-seven years of age, of a brown color, and smart, and was
owned by the daughter of the widow Hutchinson. This mistress was said to
be a "clever woman."

* * * * *

WILLIAM JORDON, ALIAS WILLIAM PRICE

Under Governor Badger, of North Carolina, William had experienced
Slavery in its most hateful form. True, he had only been twelve months
under the yoke of this high functionary. But William's experience in
this short space of time, was of a nature very painful.

Previous to coming into the governor's hands, William was held as the
property of Mrs. Mary Jordon, who owned large numbers of slaves. Whether
the governor was moved by this consideration, or by the fascinating
charms of Mrs. Jordon, or both, William was not able to decide. But the