Nov. 9. 1856
(5) Arrived as follows_ Major Latham[1] Wm Wilson[2], Henry Goram[3], Wiley Maddison[4], Andrew Shepperd[5],
Major is 44 yr’s of age, Molato, seems intelligent, and was owned Jno. Lathem of Williamstown N.C_ His wife and three children were once moved away from him when the priviledged of seeing them were utterly cut off. Only a few Months past his owned flogged him brutally_ The flogging moved him to escape_
He left a wife and three children independent of those refered to above. Their names were Mizy Robinson,
Wm is 42, Black Smith, medium size, intelligent and was owned by Dr Thos. Warren, Farmer who lived at Eatontown N.C. I was sold four times; twice was separated from my wives_ the my wife were sold far south, again I married and was sold away to N.C. from Porthmouths, Va, from my wife Wanting to be my own free man was the cause of my seeking to escape_ My wife still remain in Porthmouth_ and is known by the name of Nancy Wilson_ owned by Wm Wilson_
Henry Goram is 34, heavy built, dark complected and Smart_ and by trade a carpenter_ The lash he had never felt_ but he had always hated slavery_ To be free he had fled to the swamp where he remained 11 mos. ere he found his way to the Underground Rail Road_ In the Cane and the swamp he abode and resolved to remain till death rather than to submit to Slavery_ From his wife he too had been sold_
Wiley is 19 yr’s of age, fair enough to pass for white; indeed it was as a white man he escaped_ Leaving Petersburg, on the cars_ he came without being molested_ he is smart and promises much.
Andrew is a fine looking speciman_ age 26, and Inginer &c. He left his wife Levina, and one child_ They were owned by a small orphan girl_ who lives in South End, Camden Co. N.C.
(3) Arrived as follows_
Betsey stewart John Henry Vigal, and Henry Sims_ all from WashingtonD.C.
Betsey was owned by Mrs. Nesbit_ Widow, and a lady of wealth_. To her servants she was very severe_ Showed no neither mercy or favor_ A short while previous to
Nov. 14/56(3) Arrived_ Ann Parker, Lydia Parker, (daughter) & Henry Parker, (grandson) from Dorchester, Eastern shore, Md, where they had been owned by Edward Willey.
[1] Major Latham was forwarded to Philadelphia on the steamship of Captain Fountain by the Quaker, Thomas Garrett, who also assisted Major and the others once they reached Wilmington, Delaware. He left for Canada from Philadelphia. Still, Underground Rail Road, 379-80.
[2] Thomas Garret forwarded William Wilson from Wilmington, Delaware, on Captain Fountain’s steamship. Wilson soon departed for Canada. Still, Underground Rail Road, 379-81.
[3] Henry Gorham was released from his cave in the swamp by an agent of the underground railroad who assisted him in North Carolina. He found him passage on the vessel which eventually brought Henry and the others to Philadelphia. He then departed for Canada. Still, Underground Rail Road, 379, 381.
[4] Wiley Maddison and the others departed Philadelphia for Canada. Still, Underground Rail Road, 381.
[5] Andrew Shepherd arrived in Philadelphia from Wilmington, Delaware, with the others aboard the steamship of Captain Fountain. They departed Philadelphia for Canada. Still, Underground Rail Road, 379-81.