to buy himself, and for eighteen months prior to the flight, he had been what was called a free man.  It should also be further stated in justice to Stephen’s master, that he was so disgusted with the manner in which Stephen’s wife was treated, that he went so far as to counsel Stephen to escape with his wife and children.  Here at least is one instance where a Maryland slave-holder lends his influence to the Underground Rail Road cause.  The counsel was accepted, and the family started on their perilous flight.  And although they necessarily had manifest trials and difficulties to discourage and beset them, they battled bravely with all these odds and reached the Vigilance Committee safely.  Harriet was a bright mulatto, with marked features of character, and well made, with good address and quite intelligent.  She was about twenty-six years of age.  The children also were remarkably fine-looking little creatures, but too young to know the horrors of Slavery.  The Committee at once relieved them of their heavy load of anxiety by cheering words and administering to their necessities with regard to food, money, etc.  After the family had somewhat recovered from the fatigue and travel-worn condition in which they arrived, and were prepared to resume their journey, the Committee gave them the strictest caution with regard to avoiding slave-hunters, and also in reference to such points on the road where they would be most in danger of going astray from a lack of knowledge of the way.  Then, with indescribable feelings of sympathy, free tickets were tendered them, and they having been conducted to the depot, were sent on their way rejoicing.

* * * * *

ELIJAH HILTON.

FROM RICHMOND.

After many years of hard toiling for the support of others, the yoke pressed so heavily upon Elijah’s shoulders, that he could not endure Slave life any longer.  In the hope of getting rid of his bondage, by dexterous management and a resolute mind, which most determined and thoughtful men exercise when undertaking to accomplish great objects, he set about contriving to gain his freedom.  In proof of Elijah’s truthfulness, the advertisement of Mr. R.J.  Christians is here offered, as taken from a Richmond paper, about the time that Elijah passed through Philadelphia on the Underground Rail Road, in 1857.

RAN AWAY—­$500 REWARD.—­Left the Tobacco Factory of the subscriber on the 14th inst., on the pretence of being sick, a mulatto man, named ELIJAH, the property of Maj.  Edward Johnson, of Chesterfield county.  He is about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high, spare made, bushy hair, and very genteel appearance; he is supposed to be making his way North.  The above reward will be paid if delivered at my factory.

    [Illustration:  ]

    Ro.  J. CHRISTIANS.

    jy 21—­ts.