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COLUMBIA |
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"A Slave Hunt in Eastern Pennsylvania"
The "shore" along the river presents at this time one of the most animated scenes that can be imagined. To witness the truly American go ahead energy which is piling up the Lumber by the million feet, almost daily, is well worth a visit of five hundred miles. One may look with astonishment when he beholds the vast fleet of Timber and Board Rafts now lying in the river opposite this place. I presume there are piled at Columbia during the Rafting Season at least 50,000,000 feet of boards. Twice as much more is run to "tide," from which place Baltimore, Philadelphia and Wilmington, (Del.) markets are supplied. The greatest portion of the Lumber "drawn" is done by negroes; they receive $1.50 per "crib." - They not unfrequently draw out six a day per man.
In passing along the shore this morning I observed that the negroes were in an unusually good humor. I inquired of one of them what it meant. He says, "Cim, haven't you heard the news?" I answered 'No' "Why, the U.S. Deputy Marshals, together with two assistants, came to town yesterday in the cars, for the purpose of escorting three of our men to the 'Rural Districts' of Old Virginia. Two of the three, having families in town, upon reflection came to the conclusion that they would rather not accompany the Union-savers, but would take the cars that night, which they did, and by this time they are far on their way to Canada." It is unnecessary to say that the Railroad upon which they traveled is called the "underground." It is wondered whether J.S. got any money in advance this time. - Cor. N.Y. Tribune