But most thrilling was the story of a slave boy and his following him from his early years, his learning to read and write, his conversion and desire to become a preacher, praying for three or four years, every morning, noon and night, that God would set him free, and how that his prayers were not answered till he prayed with his heels.  At about seventeen years he ran away, reaching Massachusetts, where he publicly told his story, till, hearing that the slave catchers were after him, he fled to England, where he lectured till his English friends purchased him from his late master for $750, when he returned to his native land and worked in the anti-slavery cause till by the war every bondman was free.  He has since served his country as U.S.  Minister to Hayti, U.S.  Marshal at Washington, and in other positions of trust, and also tried to serve his race to the best of his ability.  It needed not that he should further identify himself, but if so he could do it by the scars on his back and the “bill of sale” of himself in his pocket.

Mr. Douglass believed most heartily in Cappahosic, and has two very efficient granddaughters there, one at the head of the culinary department, and the other as teacher.

Short addresses followed by Rev, Mr. Spiller, of Hampton, Va., Mr. Lewis Douglass, and the editor of the Afro-American, Rev. M. Alexander, of Baltimore, Md.  The writer told of, and is glad here to bear witness to, the noble, self-denying labors of Mr. and Mrs. Weaver and their corps of teachers and scholars during these struggling years, as also to the growing and earnest help of the people around them in sustaining the school to so large a degree.  They appreciate most highly the fostering care and help of this Association, and hope that within a few years they may be able to take the entire pecuniary burdens upon themselves.

Mr. Holmes told of the breaking of the ground for the new building last winter, under very trying difficulties, with little to draw upon but their oft-proved Bank of Faith and Prayer, and of Mr. Weaver’s coming North for help, and his return, telling his wife he hardly ever felt so discouraged.  She handed him a letter which came in his absence.  On opening it, he exclaimed, “Bless the Lord! here is a check for $250.”  Reading the letter, he shouted, “Praise the Lord! it is $2,500,” and he has been praising Him ever since and praying for more, for he needs about twice as much to complete and furnish the building, which is 70x46 feet, and three stories high.

The people of Gloucester and adjacent counties have taken about a dozen rooms to finish and furnish at a cost of $50 to $100 each, and yet there will be many more wanted by the boys for the coming winter.  All the work, including the plans and supervision, has been done by colored men, assisted quite largely by the boys of the school.  Who will supplement the magnificent gift of Mrs. Powers of Philadelphia by small or large amounts?