Tearing Up Free Papers
An illustration from the 1838 Anti-Slavery Almanac.
The Rebel Pirate’s Fatal Prize
Broadside advertisement for “The Rebel Pirate’s Fatal Prize,” a book by William Tillman.
Escaping from Norfolk in Capt. Lee’s Skiff
Five men from Portsmouth, Virginia escaped in a small boat in July 1855; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William Still.
Escapees from Delaware were attacked by five white men
Escapees from Delaware were attacked by five white men, but fought them off and rowed to Cape May, where an oyster boat captain offered to …
Warning about Slave-Hunter, 1850s
Warning to fugitive slaves about a slave-hunter and planned arrest, 1850s
Portrait of Mrs. Francis E. W. Harper
An illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William Still; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William Still.
Heavy Weights–Arrival of a Party at League Island
Fifteen escaped people from Norfolk arrived at League Island (below Broad Street, Philadelphia) on July 4, 1856; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by …
The Mayor and Police of Norfolk Searching Captain Fountain’s Schooner
Abolitionist Captain “F” was suspected of smuggling slaves out of Norfolk. He had 28 enslaved people hidden when the mayor unsuccessfully searched for stowaways; illustration …
Desparate Conflict in a Barn
Wesley Harris of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia betrayed and assaulted in Terrytown, Maryland, 1853; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William Still.
Alfred Thorston Fleeing Capture in Virginia
Alfred Thorston of Middleburg, Virgina fled when he learned he had been sold, and he struggled to evade capture night and day for two weeks …