Читать книгу The Underground Railroad (Illustrated Edition) - William Still - Страница 90
"FLEEING GIRL OF FIFTEEN," IN MALE ATTIRE
ОглавлениеPROFESSORS H. AND T. OFFER THEIR SERVICES — CAPTAINS B. ALSO ARE ENLISTED — SLAVE-TRADER GRASPING TIGHTLY HIS PREY, BUT SHE IS RESCUED — LONG CONFLICT, BUT GREAT TRIUMPH — ARRIVAL ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 25, 1855.
It was the business of the Vigilance Committee, as it was clearly understood by the friends of the Slave, to assist all needy fugitives, who might in any way manage to reach Philadelphia, but, for various reasons, not to send agents South to incite slaves to run away, or to assist them in so doing. Sometimes, however, this rule could not altogether be conformed to. Cases, in some instances, would appeal so loudly and forcibly to humanity, civilization, and Christianity, that it would really seem as if the very stones would cry out, unless something was done. As an illustration of this point, the story of the young girl, which is now to be related, will afford the most striking proof. At the same time it may be seen how much anxiety, care, hazard, delay and material aid, were required in order to effect the deliverance of some who were in close places, and difficult of access. It will be necessary to present a considerable amount of correspondence in this case, to bring to light the hidden mysteries of this narrative. The first letter, in explanation, is the following:
