Cecil Democrat, October 27, 1849
The editor of the Cecil Democrat complained about an article in the [Wilmington] Blue Hen’s Chicken sympathetic to fugitives and the abolitionists assisting them. “The Blue Hen’s Chicken exults in the escape of 16 slaves, 8 of whom were from the Head of Sassafras,” The Chicken’s revelation that “the abolitionists there are very active in aiding the escape of slaves, that the underground railroad extends a considerable distance down that State, and that branches of it extend into Maryland.” Marylanders needed “to keep a watchful eye upon these emissaries,” Vanderford cautioned. “Some of them are well known, in the counties bordering upon Delaware, and with all the cunning and shrewdness which the Chicken ascribes to them.” Vanderford called for the “closest scrutiny” of every man from Delaware “who is not known, and believed to be above suspicion.” He concluded that “a stop should be put to these nefarious proceedings of the abolitionists, at whatever cost.” Vanderford neglected to mention the need to scrutinize suspicious women as well. Harriet Tubman had escaped from slavery earlier in the month through that network and joined the men and women running it.
Cecil Democrat, October 27, 1849
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Freedom Seekers and Freedom Stealers along the Mason - Dixon LineAuthorMilt Diggins, M. ed., an independent scholar, author, public historian, and public speaker. Archives
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