(1) Oct. 7th/55
Arrived Saml Sparrow[1] (Peter Matthews old name) arrived from Virginia_ He is about 35 yr’s of age, dark, well made and intelligent. He belonged to Wm S. Mathews of Oak Hall near Temperanceville._ The master was not a hard man, but the man to whom Sam’l was hired was a very cruel man_ “I might as well been in the Penitentiary”, said he. His name was Geo. Matthews.
Sam’l was forced to leave his wife_ not being permited to see her on account of his employer.
Two weeks before he left he attempted to flog Sam’l, got his Gun and threatened to shoot him_ daring him to open his mouth and said hewould put the whole load in him, also he took out a large dirk knife & attempted to stab him, but Saml managed to keep out of his way_ This outrage was brought on in consequence of an unruly ox having broke into a truck patch, which on being turned out received some chastisement from the vexed servant. The slave however rec’d a pretty severe cudgeling from the infureated master. This outrage put the spirit of liberty very deeply in the bondman_ Consequently the next Sunday, with $4_ in cash, $1_ of which he paid for an old Pistol, he bid farewell to ill usage, working night & day, wife, Bros. & sisters, and started for Canada_ on the way about 200 miles from home he was discovered by a man whom he had once lived with_ who give chase supposing that he was runing off doubtless. Many other interesting incidents might be related if time would admit._ In the market he would bring $1000_
(1) Oct. 24th/55
Franklin Wilson_ F. left SmyrnaDel. a few days Since. He is about 18 yrs. of age_ orange Color, good looking and Smart. Had been owned by Dr Wm Daniels.
Oct. 25/55
(1)“Bill Paul” alias James Bowlegs[2]_ Bowleg is a stout young man weighing about 180; sound built, and of uncommon muscular strength: complexion light brown. Quite intelligent. He was born a Slave in the state of Georgia, Ogletop Co. where he was owned by Dr Thomas Stephens_ of Lexington. His Mother, Dicy was
[1] Further details of the flight of Samuel Sparrows are contained in Still, Underground Rail Road, 295-96.
[2] Twenty-six years old when he fled successfully from the Charleston, South Carolina region, James Bow-Legs had dedicated the greater part of the preceding six years to escaping and challenging slaveholders. His father was a full-blooded Native American and his mother was a full-blooded African. James was noted for his inordinate physical strength. Unable to read and write, James possessed an extraordinary memory that aided him in his numerous escape attempts. He was also an excellent carpenter and cobbler. Although owners and magistrates often attempted to sell the unruly James, he was fearless before whites and many potential buyers found him too assertive and threatening. By 1855, he had finally made his way to Canada where he often recounted his narratives to rapt audiences. Still, Underground Rail Road, 240-42.