ABSTRACT
In the summer of 1787, a vessel arrived in New-York, from the island of Bermuda. Among the hands was a slave name Joe, or Joseph. Joe had no idea of returning to Bermuda a slave, and, in order to secure his liberty, the natural right of all men, left the vessel and made the best of his way, on foot, to Philadelphia, where he hoped to find protection. But the day he arrived there, as he was passing down South Second street, and had proceeded as far as the corner of Norris’ alley, opposite the house once occupied by the benevolent Wm. Penn, and which is still standing, he was accosted by a certain Captain Cox, as a fugitive slave, and ordered into the house. Joe did not appear to be at all alarmed, and readily complied. Captain Cox was a native and inhabitant of Bermuda, and was well acquainted with Joe and his owner. Joe feigned much pleasure in meeting with his old friend, as he called the captain-said he had come to New-York in a vessel that he named, and that permission had been given him to go a few miles into the country to visit his sister–that he had returned to the city at the time appointed, but the vessel had sailed. He also said that he had called upon the consignee and advised with him as to the best course he should pursue. The consignee informed Joe that his captain had left directions for him to go to Philadelphia and get a passage home, but if he should be unsuccessful, to return to New-York and wait till he should come again, which would be soon. This ingenious story satisfied Captain Cox, who informed Joe that there was a vessel then in Port that would sail for Bermuda in a few days. Joe was directed to the kitchen, while the captain went to make enquiry about the vessel, and engage a passage home for him. I was an apprentice with my uncle, in whose family Cox was a temporary resident, and I closely watched Joe’s countenance, 134and soon became convinced that he was not so much gratified with meeting with his old friend as he pretended to be, for the tears were trickling down his cheeks.
