“Norfolk, Oct. 1839.

“The bearer of this, William G. Allen, is permitted to leave Norfolk by the Steam Boat Jewess, Capt.  Sutton, for Baltimore.

                                     “Signed, J. F. Hunter
                    “Agent, Baltimore Steam Packet Company.”

This document was also countersigned by one of the justices of the peace.  Really, there is something preposterous about these slaveholders.  They make all sorts of attempts to drive the free colored people out of their borders; but when a man of this class wishes to go of his own accord, he must that be permitted!

I reached Baltimore in safety, but now found that neither “Free Papers” nor “Pass” were of any further use.  I desired to take the train to Philadelphia en route to New York.  I must this time get a white man to testify to my freedom, or further I could not go.  Or, worse still, if no such man could be found, I must be detained in Baltimore and lodged in jail!  By no means a pleasant prospect.  There was no time to be lost.  My previous experience had taught me this truth—­the more we trust, the more we are likely to find to trust.  Acting upon this principle, and putting in practice my studies in physiognomy, I presently found a friend among the crowd; who, being satisfied with my statements and the documents I presented, kindly gave the desired testimony.  The ticket seller then recorded my name, age, and personal appearance in his book, and delivered me my ticket.  I now had no further trouble, and reached the college (in the State of New York) in safety.

Remaining at this college (Oneida Institute, Whitesboro’) five years, I graduated with some honor and little cost to my patron, Mr. Smith.  I quite paid my way by private tuitions:  during one vacation I taught a school in Canada.

I cannot leave Oneida Institute without paying the tribute of my heart’s warmest admiration and love to the President thereof—­Reverend Beriah Green.  America has few such men—­men of that true greatness which comes from a combination of wisdom and virtue.  Wherever found in that country, they are the “chosen few,” consecrating their energies to the cause of Humanity and Religion—­nobly and earnestly seeking to rid their country of its dire disgrace and shame.  President Green still lives.  He is a profound scholar, an original thinker, and, better and greater than all these, a sincere and devoted Christian.  To the strength and vigor of a man, he adds the gentleness and tenderness of a woman.  He has never taken an active part in the world of stir and politics; but in the line of his proper profession has immeasurably advanced the cause of human progress.  May such men be multiplied in America, and elsewhere, for surely there is need.