C. Emily and Mary two of the daughters of Paul (a free
colored man) and Milly (a slave) Edmondson, had, for trying to escape
from bondage, been sold to a trader for the New Orleans market. While
they were lying in jail in Alexandria awaiting the making up of a gang
for the South, their heartbroken father determined to visit the North
and try to beg from a freedom-loving people the money with which to
purchase his daughters' liberty. The sum asked by the trader was
$2,250, but its magnitude did not appall the brave old man, and he set
forth upon his quest full of faith that in some way he would secure
it.
Reaching New York, he went to the anti-slavery bureau and related his
pitiful story. The sum demanded was such a large one and seemed so
exorbitant that even those who took the greatest interest in the case
were disheartened over the prospect of raising it. The old man was
finally advised to go to Henry Ward Beecher and ask his aid. He made
his way to the door of the great Brooklyn preacher's house, but,
overcome by many disappointments and fearing to meet with another
rebuff, hesitated to ring the bell, and sat down on the steps with
tears streaming from his eyes.
There Mr. Beecher found him, learned his story, and promised to do
what he could. There was a great meeting in Plymouth Church that
evening, and, taking the old colored man with him to it, Mrs.
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