Arrival, No. 4.  Maria Joiner.  Captain F. arrived, from Norfolk, with the above named passenger, the way not being open to risk any other on that occasion.  This seemed rather slow business with this voyager, for he was usually accustomed to bringing more than one.  However, as this arrival was only one day later than the preceding one noticed, and came from the same place, the Committee concluded, that they had much reason for rejoicing nevertheless.  As in the case of a great number among the oppressed of the South, when simply looking at Maria, no visible marks of ill usage in any way were discernible.  Indeed, as she then appeared at the age of thirty-three, a fine, fresh, and healthy-looking mulatto woman, nine out of every ten would have been impressed with the idea, that she had never been subjected to hard treatment; in other words, that she had derived her full share of advantages from the “Patriarchal Institution.”  The appearance of just such persons in Southern cities had often led Northerners, when traveling in those parts, to regard the lot of slaves as quite comfortable.  But the story of Maria, told in an earnest and intelligent manner, was at once calculated to dissipate the idea of a “comfortable” existence in a state of bondage.  She frankly admitted, however, that prior to the death of her old master, she was favorably treated, compared with many others; but, unfortunately, after his death, she had fallen into the hands of one of the old man’s daughters, from whom, she declared, that she had received continued abuse, especially when said daughter was under the influence of liquor.  At such times she was very violent.  Being spirited, Maria could not consent to suffer on as a slave in this manner.  Consequently she began to cogitate how she might escape from her mistress (Catharine Gordon), and reach a free State.  None other than the usual trying and hazardous ways could be devised—­which was either to be stowed away in the hold of a schooner, or concealed amongst the rubbish of a steamer, where, for the time being, the extreme suffering was sure to tax every nerve even of the most valiant-hearted men.  The daily darkening prospects constrained her to decide, that she was willing to suffer, not only in adopting this mode of travel, but on the other hand, that she had better be dead than remain under so cruel a woman as her mistress.  Maria’s husband and sister (no other relatives are noticed), were naturally formidable barriers in the way of her escape.  Notwithstanding her attachment to them, she fully made up her mind to be free.  Immediately she took the first prerequisite step, which was to repair to a place of concealment with a friend in the city, and there, like the man at the pool, wait until her turn came to be conveyed thence to a free State.  In this place she was obliged to wait eight long months, enduring daily suffering in various ways, especially during the winter season.  But, with martyr-like faith, she endured to the end, and was eventually saved from the hell of Slavery.  Maria was appraised at $800.