ABSTRACT
John Tatum was a respectable farmer, near the village of Woodbury, Gloucester county, N.J. He was remarkable for his love of peace. About the year 1814, he had in his employ two colored men, who, preferring liberty to slavery, had left the service of their master in Maryland. By some means he became acquainted with the place of their residence, and went in pursuit of them. About twelve o’clock at night, the family were awakened from slumber by a violent knocking at the door. John Tatum rose and inquired what was wanted. In reply he was informed that they were in search of two runaway slaves, known to be in that house. He assured them that there were no such persons in the house; and expressed his surprise at their calling upon him at such an unseasonable hour. They turned a deaf ear to this declaration, and insisted upon searching the house; promising to conduct civilly, if he would permit them to do so. He opened the door, and four men made a thorough search, but found no slaves. They then withdrew, and went to a small house on the premises, occupied by a colored man by the name of Joseph, and his wife. The two slaves they were in search of, were in the house. When they knocked at the door, Joseph inquired who was there. They told him that they wished to find a person who resided about a mile distant, and they would give him twenty dollars if he would conduct them there.
