The Underground Railroad
reason to suppose that Dr. Martin was opposed to Sam's learning to read
and write. We are pleased to note that no charges of ill-treatment are
found recorded against Dr. M. in the narrative of "Sam."
True, it appears that he had been sold several times in his younger
days, and had consequently been made to feel keenly, the smarts of
Slavery, but nothing of this kind was charged against Dr. M., so that he
may be set down as a pretty fair man, for aught that is known to the
contrary, with the exception of depriving "Sam" of the just reward of
his labor, which, according to St. James, is pronounced a "fraud." The
doctor did not keep "Sam" so closely confined to dentistry and
book-keeping that he had no time to attend occasionally to outside
duties. It appears that he was quite active and successful as an
Underground Rail Road agent, and rendered important aid in various
directions. Indeed, Sam had good reason to suspect that the
slave-holders were watching him, and that if he remained, he would most
likely find himself in "hot water up to his eyes." Wisdom dictated that
he should "pull up stakes" and depart while the way was open. He knew
the captains who were then in the habit of taking similar passengers,
but he had some fears that they might not be able to pursue the business
much longer. In contemplating the change which he was about to make,
"Sam" felt it necessary to keep his movements strictly private. Not even
was he at liberty to break his mind to his wife and child, fearing that
it would do them no good, and might prove his utter failure. His wife's
name was Edna and his daughter was called Elizabeth; both were slaves
and owned by E.P. Tabb, Esq., a hardware merchant of Norfolk.
No mention is made on the books, of ill-treatment, in connection with
his wife's servitude; it may therefore be inferred, that her situation
was not remarkably hard. It must not be supposed that "Sam" was not
truly attached to his wife. He gave abundant proof of true matrimonial
devotion, notwithstanding the secrecy of his arrangements for flight.
Being naturally hopeful, he concluded that he could better succeed in
securing his wife after obtaining freedom himself, than in undertaking
the task beforehand.
The captain had two or three other Underground Rail Road male passengers
to bring with him, besides "Sam," for whom, arrangements had been
previously made--no more could be brought that trip. At the appointed
time, the passengers were at the disposal of the captain of the schooner
which was to bring them out of Slavery into freedom. Fully aware of the
dangerous consequences should he be detected, the captain, faithful to
his promise, secreted them in the usual manner, and set sail northward.
Instead of landing his passengers in Philadelphia, as was his intention,
for some reason or other (the schooner may have been disabled), he
landed them on the New Jersey coast, not a great distance from Cape
Island. He directed them how to reach Philadelphia. Sam knew of friends
in the city, and straightway used his ready pen to make known the
distress of himself and partners in tribulation. In making their way in
the direction of their destined haven, they reached Salem, New Jersey,
where they were discovered to be strangers and fugitives, and were
directed to Abigail Goodwin, a Quaker lady, an abolitionist, long noted
for her devotion to the cause of freedom, and one of the most liberal
and faithful friends of the Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia.
This friend's opportunities of witnessing fresh arrivals had been rare,
and perhaps she had never before come in contact with a "chattel" so
smart as "Sam." Consequently she was much embarrassed when she heard his
story, especially when he talked of his experience as a "Dentist." She
was inclined to suspect that he was a "shrewd impostor" that needed
"watching" instead of aiding. But her humanity forbade a hasty decision
on this point. She was soon persuaded to render him some assistance,
notwithstanding her apprehensions. While tarrying a day or two in Salem,
"Sam's" letter was received in Philadelphia. Friend Goodwin was written
to in the meantime, by a member of the Committee, directly with a view
of making inquires concerning the stray fugitives, and at the same time
to inform her as to how they happened to be coming in the direction
found by her. While the mind of the friend was much relieved by the
letter she received, she was still in some doubt, as will be seen by the
appended extract from a letter on the subject:
LETTER FROM A. GOODWIN.
SALEM, 3 mo., 25, '55.
DEAR FRIEND:--Thine of the 22d came to hand yesterday noon.
I do not believe that any of them are the ones thee wrote about,
who wanted Dr. Lundy to come for them, and promised they would
pay his expenses. They had no money, the minister said, but were
pretty well off for clothes. I gave him all I had and more, but
it seemed very little for four travelers--only a dollar for
each--but they will meet with friends and helpers on the way. He
said they expected to go away to-morrow. I am afraid, it's so
cold, and one of them had a sore foot, they will not get
away--it's dangerous staying here. There has been a slave-hunter
here lately, I was told yesterday, in search of a woman; he
tracked her to our Alms-house--she had lately been confined and
was not able to go--he will come back for her and his
infant--and will not wait long I expect. I want much to get her
away first--and if one had a C.C. Torney here no doubt it would
be done; but she will be well guarded. How much I wish the poor
thing could be secreted in some safe place till she is able to
travel Northward; but where that could be it's not easy to see.
I presume the Carolina freed people have arrived ere now. I hope
they will meet many friends, and be well provided for. Mary
Davis will be then paid--her cousins have sent her twenty-four
dollars, as it was not wanted for the purchase money--it was to
be kept for them when they arrive. I am glad thee did keep the
ten for the fugitives.
Samuel Nixon is now here, just come--a smart young man--they
will be after him soon. I advise him to hurry on to Canada; he
will leave here to-morrow, but don't say that he will go
straight to the city. I would send this by him if he did. I am
afraid he will loiter about and be taken--do make them go on
fast--he has left. I could not hear much he said--some who did
don't like him at all--think him an impostor--a great brag--said
he was a dentist ten years. He was asked where he came from, but
would not tell till he looked at the letter that lay on the
table and that he had just brought back. I don't feel much
confidence in him--don't believe he is the one thee alluded to.
He was asked his name--he looked at the letter to find it out.
Says nobody can make a better set of teeth than he can. He said
they will go on to-morrow in the stage--he took down the number
and street of the Anti-slavery office--you will be on your guard
against imposition--he kept the letter thee sent from Norfolk. I
had then no doubt of him, and had no objection to it. I now
rather regret it. I would send it to thee if I had it, but
perhaps it is of no importance.
He wanted the names taken down of nine more who expected to get
off soon and might come here. He told us to send them to him,
but did not seem to know where he was going to. He was well
dressed in fine broad-cloth coat and overcoat, and has a very
active tongue in his head.
But I have said enough--don't want to prejudice thee against
him, but only be on thy guard, and do not let him deceive thee,
as I fear he has some of us here.
With kind regards,
A. GOODWIN.
In due time Samuel and his companions reached Philadelphia, where a
cordial welcome awaited them. The confusion and difficulties into which
they had fallen, by having to travel an indirect route, were fully
explained, and to the hearty merriment of the Committee and strangers,
the dilemma of their good Quaker friend Goodwin at Salem was alluded to.
After a sojourn of a day or two in Philadelphia, Samuel and his
companions left for New Bedford. Canada was named to them as the safest
place for all Refugees; but it was in vain to attempt to convince "Sam"
that Canada or any other place on this Continent, was quite equal to New
Bedford. His heart was there, and there he was resolved to go--and there
he did go too, bearing with him his resolute mind, determined, if
possible, to work his way up to an honorable position at his old trade,
Dentistry, and that too for his own benefit.
Aided by the Committee, the journey was made safely to the desired
haven, where many old friends from Norfolk were found. Here our hero was
known by the name of Dr. Thomas Bayne--he was no longer "Sam." In a
short time the Dr. commenced his profession in an humble way, while, at
the same time, he deeply interested himself in his own improvement, as
well as the improvement of others, especially those who had escaped from
Slavery as he himself had. Then, too, as colored men were voters and,
therefore, eligible to office in New Bedford, the Doctor's naturally
ambitious and intelligent, turn of mind led him to take an interest in
politics, and before he was a citizen of New Bedford four years, he was
duly elected a member of the City Council. He was also an outspoken
advocate of the cause of temperance, and was likewise a ready speaker at
Anti-slavery meetings held by his race. Some idea of his abilities, and
the interest he took in the Underground Rail Road, education, etc., may
be gathered from the appended letters:
NEW BEDFORD, June 23d, 1855.
W. Still:--Sir--I write you this to inform you that I has
received my things and that you need not say any thing to Bagnul
about them--I see by the Paper that the under ground Rail Road
is in operation. Since 2 weeks a go when Saless Party was
betrayed by that Capt whom we in mass. are so anxious to Learn
his name--There was others started last Saturday night--They are
all my old friends and we are waiting their arrival, we hope you
will look out for them they may come by way of Salem, N.J. if
they be not overtaken. They are from Norfolk--Times are very
hard in Canada 2 of our old friends has left Canada and come to
Bedford for a living. Every thing are so high and wages so low
They cannot make a living (owing to the War) others are Expected
shortly--let me hear from Sales and his Party. Get the Name of
the Capt. that betrayed him let me know if Mrs. Goodwin of Salem
are at the same place yet--John Austin are with us. C. Lightfoot
is well and remembers you and family. My business increases more
since I has got an office. Send me a Norfolk Paper or any other
to read when convenient.
Let me hear from those People as soon as possible. They consist
of woman and child 2 or 3 men belonging to Marsh Bottimore, L.
Slosser and Herman & Co--and Turner--all of Norfolk, Va.
Truly yours,
THOS. BAYNE.
Direct to Box No. 516, New Bedford, Mass. Don't direct my
letters to my office. Direct them to my Box 516. My office is
66-1/2 William St. The same street the Post office is near the
city market.
The Doctor, feeling his educational deficiency in the enlightened city
of New Bedford, did just what every uncultivated man should, devoted
himself assiduously to study, and even applied himself to abstruse and
hard subjects, medicine, etc., as the following letters will show:
NEW BEDFORD, Jan., 1860.