Worcester (MA) National Aegis, "A Queer Funeral," October 26, 1853

A QUEER FUNERAL. – A correspondent of The Norwich (Conn,) Examiner writes:

Between fifteen and twenty slaves commenced a stampede from one of the Southern States not long since, and arrived safely in a city of the West, which is somewhat famous as a gateway out of the house of bondage, when to their utter consternation, they found that their movements had been anticipated, and every avenue from the city was watched day and night for their apprehension. What was to be done? It was hard to think of going back. Scouts reported that it was impossible to elude the vigilance of a well paid, numerous and unscrupulous police, which was surrounding the city as a body guard. Those who think colored people do not know enough to take care of themselves, would have given their case up as hopeless. But no so they. Thinking that even a hireling slave catcher would suffer a funeral procession to pass unmolested upon the public road, a number of carriages were hired, coffin and hearse also procured, and on a summer’s afternoon, the careless, passing throng saw, as they supposed, a colored funeral procession slowly winding its way out of the city. – the cortege attracted little attention, quietly and without interruption, it passed several mules beyond the town, where wagons were waiting. Hearse and carriages were then dismissed, and near a score of the happy children of this model republic. (!) went rattling along, under the friendly cover of the night, as fast as possible towards Victoria’s cold domains.’