Our database contains over 1,000 newspaper articles that specifically label a group escape as a "slave stampede" or some related variant, such as "negro stampede." Our document records also include hundreds of other types of primary sources and newspaper articles related to these stampedes but that do not contain the word itself. The map below provides a sample visualization of the newspaper coverage between 1856 and 1860 with clickable access to the various records inside our database. The detailed listing underneath includes records for all of the documents from the period 1847 to 1865, containing both transcripts and original images.

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Article

The recent instances of the arrest and rendition of fugitive slaves escaped into Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois under the fugitive slave law, without disorder, tumult, or attempt at resistance, may be mentioned, as far as these instances go, as a favorable sign of the times. It is shown that the matter which has given such just cause of offence at the South is still capable of being controlled by law. The carrying out of the law, too, has caused a stampede of runaway negroes in the free States into Canada. In one sense, then, the “Canada line” is removed further from U.S. If runaways can only be safe in Canada it will break up the “Free-State trade” in the line of harboring and concealing what belongs to their neighbors under the Constitution of the country.–Alexandria Gazette.

Article

Great Stampede of Fugitive Slaves for Canada.––CHICAGO, April 8.––One hundred and six fugitive slaves, who have heretofore taken up their abode here, left this city last night for Canada, via the Michigan Southern Railroad. Over one thousand fugitives have arrived there since last fall, most of whom have left since the recent arrest of five fugitives by the United States Marshal.

DETROIT, April –– About three hundred fugitive slaves, principally by way of Illinois, have passed into Canada at this point since Saturday, and large numbers are reported to be on the way. Many of them are entirely destitute, and much suffering is anticipated, notwithstanding the efforts for their relief.

Article

THE COLORED EXODUS!

Departure of over One Hundred Fugitives for Canada!––Great Excitement, and Moving Scenes!!

The United States Marshal and his standing advertisement that he has fully equipped his office in the city with fellows of the right kidney, and is now willing to answer all orders, and catch all runaways, guarenteeing promptness and dispatch in so doing, has created a wonderful state of feeling among our colored citizens, to which we have before referred. In saloons and bar-rooms about town, the zealous Federal officer is praised, but good men and humane hang their heads, Republicans finding this one more consolation in the matter,––just this, that the Marshal does well to choose his tools from the party that has always kept blood-hounds in leash, ready at the slave-driver’s beck and bidding. No Republican has yet, we believe received an appointment of the Marshal.

Article

GREAT NEGRO EXCITEMENT!

SUCCESSFUL ARREST OF RUNAWAY SLAVES IN CHICAGO.

The newly appointed U.S. Marshal of this district signalized the commencement of his official career yesterday morning, by the successful arrest of five runaway slaves––a negro, his wife, and three children.

Article

HARRISBURG, April 26.

It is reported that an attack was made by the Marylanders, on Hanover Village, York county, on Tuesday, occasioned by a great stampede among the negroes. Reliable accounts say that whole families are crossing into this State.

The report places the total loss of slaves by Maryland, since the war troubles began, at five hundred.

Great fears are entertained in the border counties of Maryland, of the departure of the entire slave population.

Article

STAMPEDE OF MARYLAND SLAVE.

Harrisburg, April 26, 1861

It is reported that an attack was made by Marylander on Hanover village, York county, on Tuesday last, occasioned by a great stampede of negroes. Reliable accounts say that whole families are crossing into Adams, York, and Franklin counties, in this State. A report places the total loss of slaves by Maryland, since the troubles began at five hundred. Great fears are entertained in the border counties of the departure of the entire slave population

Article

FINANCIAL AND COMERCIAL.

------------------------------------

SUNDAY, April 28, 1861.

Article

              THE COLORED STAMPEDE. The stampede among the dark skins of Chicago, which commenced immediately after the rendition of the Harris family of slaves, still continues. The blessing that this exodus of vices and depravity will confer upon the moral, physical and political healthy of Chicago are incalculable. It will rid us of the debris of the colored population, leaving a better name and a better opportunity for those of that color who remain, whose industry and economy have already commended them to the favorable consideration of our citizens. Our criminal courts will experience a very great abridgment of their dockets, and Abolition pettiofoggers will have fewer occasions to exhibit their voluntary sympathy, and less opportunities to blow themselves into notoriety which they can attain in no other way.

Article

HARRISBURG, April 26.

It is reported that an attack was made by the Marylanders, on Hanover Village, York county, on Tuesday, occasioned by a great stampede among the negroes. Reliable accounts say that whole families are crossing into this State. The report places the total loss of slaves by Maryland, since the war troubles began, at five hundred. Great fears are entertained in the border counties of Maryland, of the departure of the entire slave population.

Article

   FLIGHT OF FUGITIVES FROM ILLINOIS.

              The Stampede for Canada— Scenes of the Dept. &c.

Article

                             FLIGHT OF FUGITIVES FROM ILLINOIS.

              The Stampede for Canada— Scenes of the Dept.

Article

Harrisburg. 26. – It is reported that an attack was made by Marylanders on Hanover village, York Co., on Tuesday— occasioned by great stampede of negroes. Reliable accounts say that while families are crossing into his State. Report places the total loss of slaves by Maryland since troubles began, at 500. – Great fears are entertained in the border counties of Md. Of the departure of the entire slaves population.

              Gen. Scott assured a gentleman yesterday that Washington was safe against all present attacks. Our informant confirms that arrival there of three N.Y. and the 8th Mass. Regiments.

Article

            [PER PONY EXPRESS.]

            Letter from Washington.

          [EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.]

              [Continued from yesterday.]

                WASHINGTON, April 20, 1861.

 The Civil War––North and South Contrasted.

Article

              [PER PONY EXPRESS.]

                Letter from New York. 

      [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

                              NEW YORK, April 27, 1861.

   Advices from your city of the 13th instant were published in our journals of yesterday morning.

   Safe Arrival of California Treasure.

Article

        REPRISALS AND THE BLACKS.

   The New York Courier and Enquirer had been conspicuous for twenty-five years, for its opposition to what are called "Abolition" ideas, and yet we find it recently using the following language: 

Article

FROM THE (WASHINGTON) NATIONAL REPUBLICAN.  

REPRISALS AND THE BLACKS.

   The New York Courier and Enquirer had been conspicuous for twenty-five years, for its opposition to what are called "Abolition" ideas, and yet we find it recently using the following language: 

Article

FIRST EDITION

          BY TELEGRAPH.

                                           WAR MOVEMENTS!

                                    OCCUPATION OF NEWPORT POINT.

Article

THE FUGITIVE SLAVE QUESTION

                                                            Washington, May 29, 1861.

Article

FROM FORTRESS MONROE

Movements in Advance -- Col. Duryea Acting Brigadier -- Important Proclamation -- The Zouaves at Camp Butler -- Stampede of Slaves, &c

...The slaves are running away from their masters in troops. Daily they are brought into camp or to the fortress by the sentries. The soldiers have orders not to interfere with the rights of persons or property, and when the negroes run away they do it without solicitation from any of our forces. It is but the fulfillment of the prophecies of the loss which would be entailed upon the Southern States, and especially Virginia, if secession was carried to a bloody issue.  G.C.

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

 

Article

A Negro Stampede Apprehended.

It appears by advices from Fortress Monroe that there is likely to be a stampede of negroes throughout Virginia.

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          The News. 

...The determination of the government to sustain Gen. Butler's act of receiving and detaining slaves, will cause a stampede among that species of contraband goods in Virginia. Wheaton says that "all warlike instruments or materials, by their own nature fit to be used in war," are contraband. It cannot be denied that slaves come under this definition. If they are received and set at work they must be protected and fed. Should it become necessary, they would, in an emergency, upon the same principle, be furnished with arms, to aid in their own defense and of that of their captors. This is the beginning of the end of slavery. It is well that a Breckenridge democrat should commence the work....

 

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Article

It appears by advices from Fortress Monroe that there is likely to be a stampede of slaves from Virginia.

Article

NEW YORK, May 30. – The Times’ Washington correspondent speculates as follows:

Article

                                                            BY TELEGRAPH.

                                                     Subjugation of the Rebels.

Article

   CARRYING THE WAR INTO AFRICA SURE ENOUGH.––A few days ago it was reported that three fugitive slaves had sought the refuge of General Butler's camp at Fortress Monroe, and that, in answer to the requisition of their master the General had declared them contraband of war, and so had retained them and set them to work. Next day, it appears, eleven more of these contraband niggers drop in, and the day succeeding forty more, and the day after that there is an accession of a hundred. Apprehending next a general slave stampede into the camp, General Butler appeals to Washington for instructions concerning these contraband niggers. The President approves of his conduct, and he is recommended to go on as he has begun.

Article

   THOSE CONTRABAND NIGGERS.––At the last accounts upwards of four hundred fugitive slaves had sought the shelter of General Butler's camp, and the cry was "still they come." A general stampede was expected, and indeed a general revolt among the blacks of that populous slave section of the Old Dominion. In this thing General Butler has fired a heavy shot at the "long, low, black, raking schooner" of secession, which has struck her between wind and water. These fugitive slaves, at this rate, will soon prove more powerful in suffocating this Southern white insurrection than all the armies of General Scott. This man, Butler, in this thing, has proved himself the greatest lawyer to have [illegible] between a pair of epaulettes. 

Article

                                                                                    NEW YORK, MAY 30.

            The Times Washington correspondent speculates as follows:

Article

   NON-INTERFERENCE WITH SLAVERY.––The idea that Northern troops are to act as slave police for the South, is thus referred to by the Congregational Herald:

Article

   The Crisis and Its Responsibilities––The Union or the Destruction of Our Country.

   ...

Article

   NEGROES TAKING REFUGE AT FORT MONROE.

Article

THOSE CONTRABAND NIGGERS. – At the last accounts upwards of four hundred fugitive slaves had sought the shelter of General Butler’s camp, and the cry was “still they come.” A general Stampede was expected, and indeed a general revolt among the blacks of the populous slave section of the Old Dominion. In this thing General Butler has fired a heavy shot at the “long, low, black, raking schooner” of secession, which has struck her between wind and water. These fugitive slaves, at this rate, will soon prove more powerful in suffocating this Southern white insurrection than all the armies of General Scott. This man Butler, in this thing, has proved himself of the greatest lawyer we have between a pair of epaulettes.

Article

STAMPEDE. – One hundred fugitive slaves from Virginia, arrived at Harrisburg, Penn., in two days. Nobody obstructs them in the flight. They were in bad plight but were provided for and sent on their way to Canada. They report the mountains of Virginia to be full of them, progressing towards the North Star. Slave holders in Virginia will soon be convinced that they made an unfortunate move in seceding. They said they were in a fryingpan, and could not stand it!

Article

How Slaves Love their Masters.

It has often been said that the slaves have such an undying affection for their master, that they will not only leave them, but that in case of war, they will fight for them to the bitter end.  This is beautifully exemplified by the general stampede of the Virginia chattels to Fort Monroe and other points, and by the following incident which we clip from the correspondence of the New York Times:

Article

   THE SLAVERY QUESTION.––

...

   Whilst we would take no steps to induce servile insurrection among the insurgents who now war with deadly hostility against us, a course which our humanity would shudder at, we rather think a peaceful stampede of the able bodied blacks would be a humane policy that might prevent their committing violence upon white people left on the plantations at their mercy. 

   At all events it is time now to have due consideration given to this subject. Some provision should be made for getting rid of all fugitives who do come, and it would be well for the government to have some plan digested before Congress meets on the 4th of July next to provide for all the exigencies of the case that may occur. 

...

   SENEX, Trenton, New Jersey. 

 

Article

          The Test of Unionism. 

   The following able article, from the pen of H. Fauntieroy, Esq., now a resident of this place, and late of Nashville, was written on the 16th of April last, for the Banner of that city, and was put in type, but withdrawn and returned to the author on account of the excitement and terrorism that forbade its publication. At the request of many of his friends, we give it to the public as a sample of the writer's bold and courageous advocacy, at the peril of his safety, of the cause of the Union, uncompromising devotion to which induced him to leave the State upon its treasonable defection:

...

Article

Slave Difficulties at Fortress Monroe.

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   The Mystery of the Rebel Campaign in Virginia––Mr. Seward's Programme.

   ...

Article

 ENGLISH SPECULATION ON THE WAR AND ITS ISSUE.

           [From the London Times, June 19.]

   ...Wherever the Northern regiments come we may presume that the secessionist inhabitants will take flight, choosing rather to trust themselves to the precarious hospitality of their more Southern neighbors than to remain under the authority of commanders who have denounced them as rebels, and even meditated the confiscation of their property. On the other hand, the flight of the slaves in the invaded parts of Virginia is spoken of as likely to become a "stampede'––a word which the Americans have borrowed from their prairies, and applied most expressively to a general rush of negroes from slavery....

 

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Article

Our Southern Rebellion––A Speedy Settlement or the Collapse of Southern Institutions. 

...Of course, with the advance of our troops into the populous slave regions of the South, there will be a fugitive movement among the slaves which may soon extend to a general stampede among them, or to their ruinous demoralization throughout the South. Thus, impressed with the conviction that this war has already reached a point that menaces the most serious consequences to the South, in connection with this institution of slavery, we would earnestly admonish our revolted States that their only hope of safety, security and future protection depends upon their immediate return to the Union....

 

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Article

    THE ADVANCING ARMY AND THE SLAVES.

   ...If actual servile insurrection should break out with all its unutterable horrors, they would unquestionably suppress it at the first call of Gov. Pierrepont and the President. The laws of humanity would require this. But if it were only a peaceful secession of slaves, even though it took the form of an actual stampede, it would not be for them to arrest it. Our soldiers were never made to be slave overseers; and no men at the South, whether he be rebellious or loyal, must for a moment expect it. Whatever loses Virginia shall meet in this way, she must patiently take as one of the necessary consequences of her infatuation....

 

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Article

Withdrawal of troops from Hampton— One Thousand Troops at the Fortress— Approach of the Confederates. &c.

              FORTRESS MONROE, July 27. — Three remaining companies of the four regiments ordered to Washington will leave Old Point by the Baltimore boat. Thirty sick go with them to Washington in charge of Dr. Wainright, of the Scott Life Guard.

Article

Immense Rush of Negroes to Fortress Monroe

A dispatch from Fortress Monroe, dated July 26th, says:

              It became apparent, early last evening that the rebels meditated an attack on Hampton. The rebels mediated an attack on Hampton. General Butler determined to abandon the town in case of a formidable advance, and at seven o’clock the order was given for families and goods to be removed. Within one hour orders were also issued to burn the town rather than have it fall into the hands of the enemy. The General well understands that the possession of Hampton by the rebels will be no particular importance.

Article

How the Negro Pants for Freedom.

              “The war has dispelled one delusion of the Abolitionists. The negroes regard them as enemies instead of friends. No insurrection has occurred in the South— no important stampede of slaves has evinced their desire for freedom. On the contrary, they have jeered at and insulted our troops, have readily enlisted in the rebel army, and on Sunday, at  Manassas, shot down our men with as much alacrity as if abolition had never existed.— These are the creature for whose sake Lovejoy, Chandler and Pomeroy are agitating the nation, and to whom they would unconditionally extend the privilege of freedom. A more abject, treacherous race never lived on the face of the earth. – Chicago Times.

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    THEY WOULD STAY AT HOME.

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Army Orders Placing Certain Powers in the Hands of State Governors––Brigadier Generals Appointed––Stampede of Negroes from Lewinsville––The Colors of the 79th N.Y. Regiment Restored––All Quiet in the cmaps.

   ...There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, consisting of men, women and children in the neighborhood of Lewinsville to-day. They came to our lines, saying they were to be sent to Manassas this morning. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. They belonged to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that they left at home only a daughter of the Commodore, her mother having departed some time ago for Manassas Junction....

[Editor's Note:  The majority of this article has been omitted from our transcription except for the portions directly mentioning the term "slave stampedes" or some variant.]

Article

   RUNAWAY.––We saw five runaway slaves taken to the calaboose yesterday evening by persons who had taken them. The slaves passed entirely through the Federal forces here and no. interruption whatever occurred. The secessionists have charged that the purpose of this war was to free the negroes, and have talked so much about it, that it is no wonder their negroes leave them. They may blame themselves for the present stampede among slaves. The Government never meant to interfere with their negroes, but they pronounced it a lie. They now see their folly.––[St. Joseph Journal, 18th. 

Article

Stampede of Negroes.

There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, men, women and children, in the neighborhood to Lewinsville today. They came to our lines seeking protection, saying they were to have been sent to Manassas this morning. Gen Smith sent them to Washington. They belong to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that this left at their home only a daughter of the Commodores, her mother having departed sometime ago for Manassas Junction.

Article

   There was a stampede of negroes, 14 in number, consisting of men, women and children in the neighborhood of Lewinsville to-day. They came to our lines, saying they were to be sent to Manassas this morning. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. They belonged to the estate of the late Commodore Jones. They stated that they left at home only a daughter of the Commodore, her mother having departed some time ago for Manassas Junction.

Article

Fourteen negros, the property of the late Com. Jones, made a stampede from near Lewinsville, and came into our lines. Gen. Smith sent them to Washington. The negros say they were to have been sent South.

Article

MORE ABOLITION HOPES FROM THE FREMONT MEASURE.

     [From the London Star, Sept. 18.]

   Already the slaves of insurrectionists in Missouri are declared free. Neither reason nor necessity will allow the abolition movement to halt half-way. Whosoever is not with the Union must be deemed against it. Only active allegiance can secure to a slaveowner the legal possession of his human chattels, and as these are locomotive articles the legal security may prove of little worth in a general stampede. The spirit of the New England regiments that march through New York singing John Brown's hymn may breed infection in the federal camp.