Historical Documents - 1850s

   THE COLORED SCHOOL––STAMPEDE––It may not be generally known to our readers that a white man, named Patrick Farrell, has recently been placed as teacher in the colored school on Liberty street, by the Board of Education.––This action has caused no little excitement among the colored population who have been in the habit of sending their children to that school. At a meeting of the Board of Education last night, it was stated that there were only two scholars in attendance at that school on Friday last, and on Monday there were but three––the colored people refusing to send their children tone instructed by a white man––The Board we understand, was compelled to place a white man there, as no colored teacher could be obtained immediately, suitable for that station. The Clerk of the Board is now in correspondence with several from abroad, one of whom will undoubtedly be engaged shortly.

   MORE NEGROES RUNNING OFF.––There appears to be a regular and constant stampede going on among the slave population in the city and county, not a night scarcely passing without one or more running away. On Saturday night a slave woman, the property of R.J. Ward, Esq., ran off. Mr. S. Chenoweth, of the county, lost one of his slaves at the same time, and Mrs. Lovering lost a woman servant and her two children, none of whom have since been heard of. In addition we learn that a gentleman residing a short distance from the city had two of his slaves to runaway on Friady night. 

   Here is a list of seven slaves that have disappeared from their owners since Friday night, and it is high time something was done to check the evil in our midst. 

SLAVE STAMPEDE. –  A correspondent of the Tribune telegraphs from Syracuse as follows:

     " As one of the incidents of a Free Convention, I may state that nine slaves were forwarded to Canada at 1 o'clock today. They were as fine a lot of chattels as ever ran from the land of the Free to the Queen's dominions. Five are men, two are women, and two girls. Four came from Norfolk, frightened away by the fever, and three or four from Washington. One of the men was a Charleston vessel, bound for Norfolk, but his owner declined to enter that port on account of the fever, and after extorting a promise that his slave would go back by land to Washington, he landed at Philadelphia; but strange to say the slave thought himself unsafe in that city of brotherly love and suddenly started for Syracuse. He is now north of the lake. Among of the martyrs here I noticed Mr. Patterson of the extinct Parkville Luminary. 

  STAMPEDE.––A regular stampede of negroes was made from this neighborhood on Saturday night the 15 inst. They were ten in number––two belonged to the estate of the late Edward Ringgold; two women and two children to Col. Ricaud; two men to Jos. Ringgold, one to John S. Cosntable, and one to Henry A. Porter. They took with them three horses and a double carriage belonging to Edward Ringgold's estate, and a carriage belonging to John Greenwood.––Chestertown (Md.) News.

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.––Twenty-one slave escaped from the vicinity of Chestertown, Md., last week aided by the agents of the underground railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and purpose sending southward all those whom there is the least danger of losing in that way. 

  SLAVE STAMPEDE.––Twenty-one slaves escaped from the vicinity of Chestertown, Md., last week, aided by the agents of the underground railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern Division of the State are filled with distrust, and purpose sending southward all those whom there is the least danger of losing in that way.––Phila. North American.

   This determination will interfere materially with the "underground railroad" arrangements of the editor of the Louisville Journal. He will doubtless protest against it vehemently, and again urge, as he did in 1844, that "all men have a right to liberty, no matter what color."

   GOING IT IN STYLE.––We learn from the Charlestown (Md.) News that a regular stampede of negroes was made from the neighborhood of that place on the night of the 15th ult. They were ten in number. They took with them three horses and two double carriages belonging to their owners. This is a rather stylish affair, and from the number leaving it is indicative of the strong tendency of colored emigration to Slickdom. 

   MORE NEGROES RUNNING OFF.––There appears to be a regular and constant stampede going on among the slave population in the city and county, not a night scarcely passing without one or more running away. On Saturday night a slave woman, the property of R.J. Ward, Esq., ran off. Mr. S. Chenoweth, of the county, lost one of his slaves at the same time, and Mrs. Lovering lost a woman servant and her two children, none of whom have since been heard of. In addition, we learn that a gentleman residing a short distance from the city, had two of his slaves to run away on Friday night. 

   Here is a list of seven slaves that have disappeared from their owner since Friday night, and it is high time something was done to check the evil in our midst.––Louisville Courier, Sept. 25. 

   Stampede.––A regular stampede of negroes was made from this neighborhood on Saturday night last. They were ten in number. They took with them three horses and a double carriages belonging to Ed. Ringgold's estate, and a carriage belonging to John Greenwood. They were all valuable negroes, and it is to be hoped will be recovered; up to the present time, however, nothing has been been heard of them.––Charlestown, Md. News, Sept. 20. 

MORE NEGROES RUNNIING OFF. – There appears to be a regular stampede going on among the slave population in the city and country, not a night scarcely passing without more or less running away. On Saturday might [night], a slave woman, the property of R.J. Ward, Esq., ran off. Mr. S Chenoweth, of the country [county], lost one of his slaves at the same time, and Mrs. Lovering lost one woman servant and her two children, none of whom have since been heard of.

            In addition to the above, we learn that a gentleman residing a short distance from the city, had two of his slaves to run away on Friday night

             SLAVERY IN VIRGINIA

     [Correspondence of the Evening Post.]

                  --------, Virginia, October, 1, 1855.

   Slave Stampede.––Twenty-one slave escaped from the vicinity of Chestertown, Md., last week aided by the agents of the underground railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and purpose sending Southward all those whom there is the least danger of losing in that way. 

...Four negroes, belonging to C. COX and R. MIDDLETON, ran away last week. They were captured by two citizens of Iowa, and yesterday returned to their owners. The $800 reward offered was promptly paid. Wonder why the free States of the East do not do like Iowa in this respect.      W. D. G.

Slave Stampede. – Twenty- one slaves escaped from the vicinity of Charlestown, Md., last week, aided by the agents of the Underground Railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and propose sending southward all those there is the least danger of losing in that way.

   GOING IT IN STYLE.––We learn from the Charlestown (Md.) News that a regular stampede of negroes was made from the neighborhood of that place on the night of the 15th ult. They were ten in number. They took with them three horses and two double carriages belonging to their owners. This is a rather stylish affair, and from the number leaving it is indicative of the strong tendency of colored emigration to Slickdom. 

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.––Twenty-one slaves escaped from the vicinity of Charlestown, Md., last week, aided by the agents of the Underground Railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and propose sending southward all those there is the least danger of losing in that way.

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.––Twenty-one slaves escaped from the vicinity of Chestertown, Md., last week, aided by the agents of the underground railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and propose sending southward all those there is the least danger of losing in that way.

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.––Twenty-one slaves escaped from the vicinity of Charlestown, Md., last week, aided by the agents of the Underground Railroad in the neighborhood. These escapades have become so frequent in Maryland that many of the owners in the Eastern division of the State are filled with distrust, and propose sending southward all those there is the least danger of losing in that way.

         The Fever in Raymond.

                   RAYMOND, Oct. 21, 1855. 

   Stampede of Negroes.––Seven negro men made their escape from Messrs. Jones & Slater's jail, in Locust alley, on Saturday night last, and are now, in all probability, endeavoring to effect their escape to the North. Five of these negroes had on handcuffs, and three of them were brought here from Bath county and sold, for having attempted to make their escape to a free State. Among the party is a fellow called Lee, who is so nearly white that he may attempt to pass himself off as the owner of the other six refugees. They effected their escape by breaking the lock to the door of the room in which they were confined. Their owners will give a liberal reward for their detection. 

   Major Haynie, of Ouschita county, Ark., in a letter dated on the 10th inst. to the Van Buren Intelligencer, says that eleven negroes had run away from his immediate neighborhood, and that a general stampede among the negroes was apprehended, if not something worse. The people had become somewhat alarmed, and had adopted measures of precaution, and were using every exertion to capture the runaways. It was thought that there was a concert of action among the slaves in that vicinity. 

             STAMPEDE.

   The Fairmount Virginian says that on Saturday night week, six slaves––four owned by Thos. Knotts, one by Absolom Knotts, and one by the estate of Jane Donnell––took six horses and made off for Pennsylvania. One of the party was captured and all the horses were recovered, but the other five slaves made good their escape. 

   WHOLESALE STAMPEDE OF SLAVES.--We copy the following from the Fairmount True Virginian:

                From the Fairmont True Virginian.  

                       Wholesale Stampede. 

   FUGITIVE PIECES.––  Major Haynie, of Ouschita county, Ark., in a letter to the Van Buren Intelligencer, dated the 10th inst., says that 11 negroes escaped from his immediate neighborhood, and that a general stampede among the negroes was apprehended, if not something worse. The people had become somewhat alarmed, and had adopted measures of precaution, and were using every exertion to capture the runaways. It was thought that there was a concert of action among the slaves in that vicinity. 

  Major Haynie, of Ouschita county, Ark., in a letter dated on the 10th inst., says that eleven negroes had runaway from his neighborhood, and a general stampede was apprehended. The planters had become somewhat alarmed, and had adopted measures of precaution, and were using every exertion to capture the runaways. It was thought that there was a concert of action among the slaves in that vicinity. 

   Wholesale Stampede.--There have been but a few slaves in this (Marion) county at any time; and the number, already less than fifty probably, promises soon to be represented by a cipher. Our proximity to the Pennsylvania line, which, where it runs nearest us, is not more than twenty miles from Fairmount, renders the possession of slave property undesirable. On Saturday night last, six slaves started for Pennsylvania--two men and two women belonging to Thomas Knotts, one man belonging to Absalom Knotts, and one woman to the estate of Jane Doudell. Nor were they content to take themselves off only, but they took with them six horses belonging to different gentlemen of this county, besides various articles of clothing, bedding, &c. They were supplied, too, with fire-arms.

SAFE AND SOUND IN CANADA. – The Charleston (Md.) News, of Sep. 20th informs it readers of a regular stampede of negroes from that neighborhood, a day or two previous. They were ten in number. It is said, "they are all valuable negroes; and " it is hoped" by the editor of the News, that they will be recovered. Up to the time of writing the article, he had not heard from them. 

   Mr. J.L. Hutchinson of Union, Monroe county, lost $2,000 by a stampede of some slaves.

   SLAVE STAMPEDE.--The Norfolk Argus states that last week about eighteen negroes escaped from that city and Portsmouth. They were all young, and some of them skilful mechanics, valued at $2,000 each. Six were from Portsmouth. It is supposed that they left in some oyster vessel, loading perhaps in Tanner's creek, and bound for New York or some other Northern port. 

       Negro Thief Arrested.

   A man named BEN. HORNE was arrested in Keytesville, on Friday night last, for Negro stealing. 

   This man made his appearance, in this county, about one year ago last spring. He became acquainted with the daughter of one of our most respected citizens; represented himself as an Alabamian; and his father resided in the above State, and aws well off. He made proposals of marriage to the young Lady. Being a stranger, some objection was raised; or at least some intimation was made that he should make good his assertions, in regard to his property. 

                           Slave Stampede.

        The Norfolk Argus states that last week about eighteen negroes escaped from that city and Portsmouth. They were all young, and some of them skillful mechanics, valued at $2,000 each. Six were from Portsmouth. It is supposed that they left in some oyster vessel, loading perhaps in Tanner's creek, and bound from New York or some other Northern port. 

   Negro Stampede.––Six slaves made their escape from this city last Saturday night, by the underground railroad, and are now, no doubt, on their way to the North. 

           A Wholesale Stampede.

   Eighteen slaves, of both sexes, left Norfolk last week, and it is supposed have been conveyed to the North by emissaries of the abolitionists. Almost every week more or less escape from that city by similar means. 

UNPRECEDENTED STAMPEDE OF SLAVES.

   The Argus of Thursday last, learns that a party of about eighteens laves, of both sexes, left Norfolk and Portsmouth last week for some northern port. 

   About a dozen are owned in Norfolk, and the balance on the other side of the river. They are mostly young, and some of them valuable mechanics valued at from fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars each. As to color and quality, they comprise almost every shade, from the brightest and politest mulatto to the real native, greasy African black, with his thick, red lips, white teeth, flat nose and long heels. It is supposed they left in some oyster vessel, loading, perhaps in Tanner's Creek, and bound to New York or some other port north of Mason & Dixon's line. 

     Fugitive Slave Police.

   In order to establish such a police as would effectually break up the escape of negroes in coasting craft, the State should purchase one or more small and fast sailing vessels, and station them near the Capes. The expense would be inconsiderable, compared with the saving. One stampede of negroes, such as has lately occurred here in Richmond, costs more than the purchase, manning and support of two such vessels for five years. 

   A river police would be useless, for no examination of vessels, at any point short of the Capes, can afford an entire safeguard against the escape of slave property. 

   UNPRECEDENTED STAMPEDE OF SLAVES.––The Norfolk Argus states that a party of about eighteen slaves of both sexes, left Norfolk and Portsmouth last week for some northern port.––About a dozen are owned in Norfolk, and the balance on the other side of the river. They are mostly young, and some of them valuable mechanics, valued at from $1,500 to $2,000 each. 

     COURSE OF ANTI-SLAVERY LECTURES.

       The Underground Railroad.

   Not the least important of all the great Railroad enterprises which are rapidly, but almost imperceptibly, effecting great changes in the condition of the country and in the social and political relations of the States towards each other, is that mysterious organization called the "Underground Railroad." As its managers publish no annual or quarterly statements of its operations, and its stock is not being recognized by the Bulls and Bears of Wall-street, it is not half so much talked about as many other Roads which are not, in truth, of half so much importance. 

             Fugitive Slave Police. 

  In order to establish such a police as would effectually break up the escape of negroes in coasting craft, the State should purchase one or more small and fast sailing vessels, and station them near the Capes. The expense would be inconsiderable, compared with the saving. One stampede of negroes, such as has lately occurred here in Richmond, costs more than the purchase, manning and support of two such vessels for five years. 

   A river police would be useless, for no examination of vessels, at any point short of the Capes, can afford an entire safeguard against the escape of slave property. 

                                       [Richmond Dispatch.

            The Underground Railroad

   Not the least important of all the great Railroad enterprises which are rapidly, but almost imperceptibly, effecting great changes in the condition of the country and in the social and political relations of the States towards each other, is that mysterious organization called the "Underground Railroad." As its managers publish no annual or quarterly statements of its operations, and its stock is not being recognized by the Bulls and Bears of Wall-street, it is not half so much talked about as many other Roads which are not, in truth, of half so much importance. 

            The Underground Railroad. 

   Not the least important of all the great Railroad enterprises which are rapidly, but almost imperceptibly, effecting great changes in the condition of the country and in the social and political relations of the States towards each other, is that mysterious organization called the "Underground Railroad." As its managers publish no annual or quarterly statements of its operations, and its stock is not being recognized by the Bulls and Bears of Wall-street, it is not half so much talked about as many other Roads which are not, in truth, of half so much importance. 

UNPRECEDENTED STAMPEDE OF SLAVES  – The Norfolk Argus stated that a party of about eighteen slaves, of both sexes, left Norfolk and Portsmouth last week for some Northern port about a dozen are owned in Norfolk, and the balance on the other side of the river.  They are mostly young, and some of them valuable mechanics, valued at from $1,500 to $2,000 each. 

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - LEGISLATIVE ACTION.

   Another Stampede.––We understand that eleven negroes ran off from their owners in this city on Saturday last. Four of them were females. Seven of the eleven belonged to Miss Susan L. Hatcher, and one of them, a man, belonged to Mr. Wm. Davidson. Circumstances tend to the belief that they all left in one body. That Abolition agents are to work in our midst there can be no doubt, and it will be well for our citizens to keep a sharp lookout. The Northern papers boast that the Underground Railroad is 'now doing a large and safe business.'––Rich. Inq. 

      Slave Stampede in Virginia.

         NEGRO STEALING.

   The late stampede of negroes form Norfolk and Richmond to the Northern Ports, will, no doubt induce the Legislature to devise some ways and means for the better protection of that kind of property. Close upon the heels of the news that seventeen had escaped from Norfolk we learn that eleven have left Richmond. It is estimated that the value of those that ran off from Norfolk was some thirty thousand dollars. The eleven that ran off from Richmond cannot be worth much less than fifteen thousand dollars. It thus appears that in a single week the two cities of Richmond and Norfolk have lost property to the amount of forty five thousand dollars through the plots of abolition incendiaries. 

   Mr. J. Hutchinson of Union, Monroe county, lost $2,000 by a stampede of some slaves. 

            Coasting Vessels. 

   The attention of the Legislature it is to be hoped, will be directed to the establishment of an efficient system of police for the purpose of examining all coasting vessels that may leave the ports of Virginia, and preventing the escape of fugitive slaves. We would again suggest the propriety of purchasing, equipping, arming and manning one or two small vessels to board and search all vessels bound to free ports in the United States. These cruisers should be stationed in Hampton Roads, for any examination made this side of that point would be perfectly useless. The cost of purchasing such vessels, and their maintenance for five years, would not amount to as large a sum as is lost in one negro stampede. 

                    MANHOOD.

   LECTURE OF HON. HORACE MANN, IN SYRACUSE.

   The opening lecture of the anti-slavery course was given at the City Hall, last evening, by Hon. Horace Mann. The attendance was respectable, though no large. Among the admiring hearers was Hon. Gerrit Smith, whose entrance to the meeting was greeted with applause. 

   It is an old adage, that the best wine should always come at the end of the feast. But we very much doubt whether the managers of the anti-slavery cause will be able to serve us up a more delicious potation of the unadulterated wine on which the heart and spirit grow fat, than we had last evening. It was one of the most purely intellectual efforts to which we have ever listened and was received with unbounded satisfaction.