it was so or not in this case, it was not unfrequently so in other instances, as is well remembered.  It will be necessary, in the subsequent pages of this work, to omit the narratives of a great many who, unfortunately, were but briefly noted on the books at the time of their arrival.  In the eyes of some, this may prove disappointing, especially in instances where these pages are turned to with the hope of gaining a clue to certain lost ones.  As all, however, cannot be mentioned, and as the general reader will look for incidents and facts which will most fittingly bring out the chief characteristics in the career and escape of bondmen, the reasonableness of this course must be obvious to all.

* * * * *

CHARLES GILBERT.

FLEEING FROM DAVIS A NEGRO TRADER, SECRETED UNDER A HOTEL, UP A TREE, UNDER A FLOOR, IN A THICKET, ON A STEAMER.  In 1854 Charles was owned in the city of Richmond by Benjamin Davis, a notorious negro trader.  Charles was quite a “likely-looking article,” not too black or too white, but rather of a nice “ginger-bread color.”  Davis was of opinion that this “article” must bring him a tip-top price.  For two or three months the trader advertised Charles for sale in the papers, but for some reason or other Charles did not command the high price demanded.

While Davis was thus daily trying to sell Charles, Charles was contemplating how he might escape.  Being uncommonly shrewd he learned something about a captain of a schooner from Boston, and determined to approach him with regard to securing a passage.  The captain manifested a disposition to accommodate him for the sum of ten dollars, provided Charles could manage to get to Old Point Comfort, there to embark.  The Point was about one hundred and sixty miles distant from Richmond.

A man of ordinary nerve would have declined this condition unhesitatingly.  On the other hand it was not Charles’ intention to let any offer slide; indeed he felt that he must make an effort, if he failed.  He could not see how his lot could be made more miserable by attempting to flee.  In full view of all the consequences he ventured to take the hazardous step, and to his great satisfaction he reached Old Point Comfort safely.  In that locality he was well known, unfortunately too well known, for he had been raised partly there, and, at the same time, many of his relatives and acquaintances were still living there.  These facts were evidently well known to the trader, who unquestionably had snares set in order to entrap Charles should he seek shelter among his relatives, a reasonable supposition.  Charles had scarcely reached his old home before he was apprised of the fact that the hunters and watch dogs of Slavery were eagerly watching for him.  Even his nearest relatives, through fear of consequences had to hide their faces as it were from him.  None dare offer him a night’s lodging, scarcely