Lancaster (PA) Saturday Express, "The Humanity of Slavery," February 2, 1856

            THE HUMANITY OF SLAVERY.

   The following article which we copy from the Patapsco American, published at Ellicott's Mills, Maryland, of the 5th ult., is a very striking illustration of the influence the Slave system has upon the humanity of those who are educated up to the full measure of the 'peculiar institution.' The offense of these poor negroes consists simply in having a darker skin than their blacker hearted pursuers, who evidently do not believe in the precept--'Love thy neighbor as thyself:'

   A STAMPEDE OF NEGROES--A party of six negroes from Middleburg, Va., left that place on the 24th December, and passed near Hood's Mill, in this county, on the 25th, about 4 o'clock, P.M. thus traveling 85 to 90 miles on their route to Pennsylvania. 

   The party consisted of four men and two women. Two of the men were on horseback, and the other two, together with the women, were in a light wagon drawn by two fine horses. The party was well equipped for traveling, having a good supply of provisions, such as fowls, bread, meat, brandy, &c. When near Hood's Mill, they stopped and inquired of Mr. Grimes, the road to Pennsylvania. Mr. Grimes told them that they could not get there that evening, upon which the leaders replied that they would get there or die! Mr. Grimes, suspecting them of being runaways, together with Mr. Hood and a few others, mounted on horseback, pursued and overtook them, and demanded them to stop. They immediately drew their pistols and bowie knives, and refused to comply, still advancing, and bidding defiance to one and all. 

   Mr. Hood's party had but one gun and a revolver, and they did not think it safe to attack such desperadoes, who would rather die than be taken. Mr. Hood's party then rode on in advance to obtain more help, but was unable to do so. It becoming late, they approached the party again. The negroes this time showed fight, and unhitching the horses from the wagon, took the women out behind, and made off for the woods. In the meantime, a Mr. George Gibson fired at, and secured one negro man, having shot him in the back. He, together with his horse, the wagon, baggage, provisions, &c., were all captured. The balance of the party escaped to the woods. The negro who was captured, had on his person a revolver and a large dirk, and gave his name and said he was owned by Mr. Charles W. Simpson, of Faquier county, Va. He was committed to jail. We learn that another of the negroes was captured in Carroll county, on Friday evening, by Mr. Wm. H. Mitten, and conveyed to Frederick. His name is Joe, and he says he belongs to Mr. Adams of Loudon county, Va. His feet are badly injured from frost-bite. The remainder of the gang will probably be caught.