ABSTRACT
In the early part of the year 1810, a colored woman, about twenty-two years old, by the name of Phebe, held as a slave by Benjamin Donahue, of Newcastle County, in the state of Delaware, being tired of her bondage, left her master’s service and went to Philadelphia; and there, meeting with a friend who resided about six or seven miles from that city, she engaged with him as a domestic servant, and accordingly went home with him. After remaining in his service a few months, she ventured to inform him of her situation, and solicited him to endeavor to procure her freedom. With this request he readily complied. Although poorly clad she had taken up none of her wages. Finding her an industrious, capable woman, he offered to lend her the amount necessary to purchase her manumission, and called upon me to negotiate the business; when I addressed the following letter to B. Donahue, viz:
“PHILADELPHIA, 7th mo. 26th, 1810
BENJAMIN DONAHUE:
Application has been made to me on behalf of a black girl, who, I am informed, is thy slave. The person who has interfered on her behalf is willing to pay sixty, or at most, seventy dollars for her manumission. If thou art willing to set her free on these terms, please execute a manumission and forward it to James Wheelan of this city, and the money will be paid.I am, respectfully,
ISAAC T. HOPPER.”
