A very light mulatto girl, named Fanny, was slave to the widow of John Sears, in Maryland.  When about twenty-four years old, she escaped to Philadelphia, and lived in the family of Isaac W. Morris, where she was known by the assumed name of Mary Holliday.  She was honest, prudent, and industrious, and the family became much attached to her.  She had not been there many months when her mistress obtained tidings of her, and went to Philadelphia, accompanied by a man named Dutton.  She was arrested on the seventh of June, 1805, and taken before Matthew Lawler, who was then mayor.  Isaac W. Morris immediately waited on Isaac T. Hopper to inform him of the circumstance, and they proceeded together to the mayor’s office.

Dutton, being examined as a witness, testified that he knew a mulatto named Fanny, who belonged to Mrs. Sears, and he believed the woman present, called Mary Holliday, was that person.  Mary denied that she was the slave of the claimant, or that her name was Fanny; but her agitation was very evident, though she tried hard to conceal it.

Friend Hopper remarked to the mayor, “This case requires testimony as strong as if the woman were on trial for her life, which is of less value than liberty.  I object to the testimony as insufficient; for the witness cannot say positively that he knows she is the same person, but only that he believes so.  Wouldst thou consider such evidence satisfactory in the case of a white person?”

The mayor who was not friendly to colored people, replied, “I should not; but I consider it sufficient in such cases as these.”

“How dark must the complexion be, to justify thee in receiving such uncertain evidence?” inquired Friend Hopper.

The mayor pointed to the prisoner and said, “As dark as that woman.”

“What wouldst thou think of such testimony in case of thy own daughter?” rejoined Friend Hopper.  “There is very little difference between her complexion and that of the woman now standing before thee.”

He made no reply, but over-ruled the objection to the evidence.  He consented, however, to postpone the case three days, to give time to procure testimony in her favor.

Isaac W. Morris soon after called upon Friend Hopper and said, “Mary has acknowledged to us that her name is Fanny, and that she belongs to Mrs. Sears.  My family are all very much attached to her, and they cannot bear the thought of her being carried away into slavery.  I will advance three hundred dollars, if thou wilt obtain her freedom.”

Friend Hopper accordingly called upon Mrs. Sears, and after stipulating that nothing said on either side should be made use of in the trial, he offered two hundred dollars for a deed of manumission.  The offer was promptly rejected.  After considerable discussion, three hundred and fifty dollars were offered; for it was very desirable to have the case settled without being obliged to resort to an expensive and uncertain process of law.  Mrs. Sears replied, “It is in vain to treat with me on the subject; for I am determined not to sell the woman on any terms.  I will take her back to Maryland, and make an example of her.”