A--FOLLOWS HIM--MARRIAGE, &C.
Having dwelt on the sad narratives of Samuel Green and his son in the
preceding chapter, it is quite a relief to be able to introduce a
traveler whose story contains incidents less painful to contemplate.
From the record book the following brief account is taken:

"April 27, 1855. John Hall arrived safely from Richmond, Va., per
schooner, (Captain B). One hundred dollars were paid for his passage."
In Richmond he was owned by James Dunlap, a merchant. John had been sold
several times, in consequence of which, he had possessed very good
opportunities of experiencing the effect of change of owners. Then, too,
the personal examination made before sale, and the gratification
afforded his master when he (John), brought a good price--left no very
pleasing impressions on his mind.

By one of his owners, named Burke, John alleged that he had been
"cruelly used." When quite young, both he and his sister, together with
their mother, were sold by Burke. From that time he had seen neither
mother nor sister--they were sold separately. For three or four years
the desire to seek liberty had been fondly cherished, and nothing but
the want of a favorable opportunity had deterred him from carrying out
his designs. He considered himself much "imposed upon" by his master,
particularly as he was allowed "no choice about living" as he "desired."
This was indeed ill-treatment as John viewed the matter. John may have
wanted too much. He was about thirty-five years of age, light
complexion--tall--rather handsome-looking, intelligent, and of good
manners. But notwithstanding these prepossessing features, John's owner
valued him at only $1,000. If he had been a few shades darker and only
about half as intelligent as he was, he would have been worth at least
$500 more. The idea of having had a white father, in many instances,
depreciated the pecuniary value of male slaves, if not of the other sex.
John emphatically was one of this injured class; he evidently had blood
in his veins which decidedly warred against submitting to the yoke. In
addition to the influence which such rebellious blood exerted over him,
together with a considerable amount of intelligence, he was also under
the influence and advice of a daughter of old Ireland. She was heart and
soul with John in all his plans which looked Canada-ward. This it was
that "sent him away."

It is very certain, that this Irish girl was not annoyed by the kinks in
J