National Gazette, June 30, 1826

Date: 30 Jun 1826 [unknown]
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

The National Gazette

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 30 Jun 1826, Fri • Page 2

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The National Gazette.

Philadelphia:

Friday, June 30, 1826

In the month of August last, five colored boys were kidnapped in this city; to wit, Enos Tilghman; Alexander Manlove; Samuel —; Joe, a sweep, and Cornelius Sinclair. They were carried first to the line of Delaware and Maryland, and thence transported by land and water to Alabama and Mississippi. Joe died at Rocky Spring, in consequence of the cruel beating he received from Abraham F. Johnson, one of the kidnappers. Sinclair was sold at Tuscaloosa; but has since been found; and, it is hoped, will eventually be restored. Together with these unfortunate boys, was a black woman by the name of Mary Fisher, who was kidnapped near Elkton.

Tilghman and Manlove, who belong to Philadelphia, and Samuel, who is a servant of David Hill, of New Jersey, living near Trenton, have just arrived at this port from New Orleans, in the brig Catherine, having been sent thus, to our respectable Mayor, by the humane individuals who most generously interfered in their behalf. The woman, Mary Fisher, has been restored to freedom, and is under the protection of J. W. Hamilton, of Mississippi, where she chose to remain rather than encounter the sufferings of a sea voyage home.

The rescue of these poor creatures is a subject of rejoicing for all benevolent persons, and is chiefly due to the indefatigable and charitable zeal of Mr. Watson, the Mayor. Too much credit cannot be given to the excellent dispositions, and intelligent vigilance, with which he pursued that interesting object. It is but justice to add that he was earnestly seconded by many exemplary citizens in Mississippi, Alabama and other places.

The Atrocity and hardihood of the crime, of which al the colored persons mentioned above, were near becoming most miserable victims, are such, that its frequent occurrence at least is apt to be doubted. But it is certain that there are gangs of kidnappers, incessantly prowling for prey, and against whom constant watchfulness should be practised and recommended.