Greensboro (AL) Alabama Beacon, "Slave Stampede in Virginia," December 7, 1855

      Slave Stampede in Virginia.

   The Norfolk Argus stated, a few days since, that about eighteen negroes had escaped from that city and Portsmouth the week previous––all young, and some of them valuable mechanics. It was suspected that they had been taken off on some oyster vessel for New York or some other Northern port. On the night of the 21st inst., during a gale, a small schooner was driven ashore a few miles below Cape Henry. All the persons on board were saved consisting of the captain and mate of the vessel and five of the runaway slaves. The negroes stated that the schooner raised a signal for them, which they understood and went on board. One of them stated that he had paid the Captain $125 for passage money, which the latter denied, but on searching him, the money, as described by the negro, was found in his possession. The captain came from Wilmington, Del., the mate from Port Norris, N.J. The negroes were restored to their owners, and the captain and mate lodged in jail in Norfolk. Here is a fine chance to make an example for the contemplation of rogues of like degree. 

                           Columbus Sun.