In the year 1800, he found a favorable opportunity to escape from his unfeeling master, and made his way to Philadelphia, where he procured employment in a lumber-yard, under the name of John Smith.  He was so diligent and faithful, that he soon gained the good-will and confidence of his employers.  He married a worthy, industrious woman, with whom he lived happily.  By their united earnings they were enabled to purchase a small house, where they enjoyed more comfort than many wealthy people, and were much respected by neighbors and acquaintances.

Unfortunately, he confided his story to a colored man, who, for the sake of reward, informed his master where he was to be found.  Accordingly, he came to Philadelphia, arrested him, and carried him before a magistrate.  Having brought forward satisfactory evidence that he was a slave, an order was granted to carry him back to Maryland.  Isaac T. Hopper was present at this decision, and was afflicted by it beyond measure.  John’s employers pitied his condition, and sympathized with his afflicted wife and children.  They offered to pay a large sum for his ransom; but his savage master refused to release him on any terms.  This sober, industrious man, guiltless of any crime, was hand-cuffed and had his arms tied behind him with a rope, to which another rope was appended, for his master to hold.  While they were fastening his fetters, he spoke a few affectionate words to his weeping wife.  “Take good care of the children,” said he; “and don’t let them forget their poor father.  If you are industrious and frugal, I hope you will be enabled to keep them at school, till they are old enough to be placed at service in respectable families.  Never allow them to be idle; for that will lead them into bad ways.  And now don’t forget my advice; for it is most likely you will never see me again.”

Then addressing his children, he said, “You will have no father to take care of you now.  Mind what your mother tells you, and be very careful not to do anything to grieve her.  Be industrious and faithful in whatever you are set about; and never play in the streets with naughty children.”

They all wept bitterly while he thus talked to them; but he restrained his sobs, though it was evident his heart was well nigh breaking.  Isaac T. Hopper was present at this distressing scene, and suffered almost as acutely as the poor slave himself.  In the midst of his parting words, his master seized the rope, mounted his horse, snapped his whip, and set off, driving poor John before him.  This was done in a Christian country, and there was no law to protect the victim.