ABSTRACT
A colored man, whom for convenience I will call Tom, for I do not remember his name, a slave to Robert Creswell, of Cecil county, Maryland, left his master’s service, and went to Philadelphia. He soon after hired with a farmer, near Milestown, about seven miles north of Philadelphia. After remaining there about two years, some person, to whom he had made known his condition, informed Creswell where he was. He forthwith repaired to Philadelphia; taking with him one of his neighbors, and a colored man. Whether the latter was a slave, or a free man, I do not now recollect. They took lodgings at an in inn in North Third street, a few doors above Mulberry, known by the name of the “Golden Swan.” This was in the summer of 1809. The day after their arrival, the colored man was sent to Milestown, to decoy Tom into the hands of his master. It seems they were old acquaintances; and upon meeting, they both expressed themselves highly pleased. The stranger invited Tom to accompany him to the city, to spend a day or two with mutual friends. Tom cheerfully complied, and they set off to Philadelphia; the former much pleased with the prospect of enjoying the company of an old acquaintance; little dreaming of the snare the treacherous fellow had laid, to betray him into the hands of his master. When they reached the city, the stranger proposed to Tom to step into the hotel to get something to drink. They entered through a carriage way, alongside of the inn, which communicated with the yard. As soon as they entered the yard, Creswell made his appearance, with a pistol in his hand. He pounced upon Tom, and threatened him with instant death, if he made any resistance. He submitted, as a matter of necessity; his hands were tied together, and he was ordered up stairs.
