Prison life and reflections, or, A narrative of the arrest, trial, conviction, imprisonment, treatment, observations, reflections, and deliverance of Work, Burr, and Thompson : who suffered an unjust and cruel imprisonment in Missouri penitentiary for attempting to aid some slaves to liberty

Front matter

PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS}

OK,

1 NAREATIYE

Preface

If they are enraged, because the world has looked in upon their abominations, let the thought that God -will expose them to the universe, compose their troubled consciences. If they are vexed with themselves, because they have so long harbored an enemy in their midst, let me say to them, as they said to us — " Just mind your own businessj next time, and let other people alone." They must have been fools indeed, to suppose they oould press a viper to their bosom without being woundcd~or tread on coals, without being burned — or that they could lay open their hearts before a ^^dyed-in-the-wool abolitionist,^^ and not es:pect that it would be laid before the world — or that an opossum is dead, merely because he does not kick, and squall, when beaten by his enemy.

If the reader is not a Christian, lie will here see the excellence and importance of that religion, which will support and cheer its possessor in all possible conditions in life. And oh ! that he may be influenced to choose a friend, who will never forsake — a guide who will never mistake.

If he is a Christian, I trust he will, in the following pages, learn the secret of having the mind kept in " perfect peace," though billows dash, and tempests roar — of being nlled with a "joy unspeakable, and full of glory," though surrounded by a darkness as dense as Egyptian — and of " rejoicing in the Lord alway,^^ though he " die daily" — namely, trusting in God, rationally, sincerely, implicitly, and continually.

The book has not been written to make money, nor to get a name — but to do good. I felt it to be my duty to write such a book, long before I left my cell — and there the most of it was written.

I ha\e endeavored to exhibit our own feelings — as also those n

PREFACE.

of our enemies. I have tried to exliibit tlie circumstances, and influences, by wMcli we were surrounded, that the grace of God might the more be magnified, in our preservation from the Jaws of destruction—in our deliverance from the oppressor's power.

Reader, you will here see the faithfulness of God to his promises — you will see the unfaithfulness of man. You will get a glimpse at the sufferings of a portion of your fellow creatures, of whom perhaps you never thought, much, and if by reading this "book, you shall be induced to " remeynber them in bonds as bound toi7ft f/tem," I shall not have spent my timo in vain.

Part firstj includes an account of the time we were in the County Jail, trial, sentence, &c.

Part second, comprises about sixteen and \ half months, under the government of John Gordon and VVilli&ai Burch.

Part third, embraces the remainder of our history, unde!" James Brown, Capt. Richmond, Blaino, and Co., &c.

That every one who reads the following pages, may be stimulated to labor more zealously for suffering humanity, is the desire and prayer of

THE AUTHOR.

Oberliuy April 9, 1847.

Note. — The First Edition having met with so speedy a sale, and the testimony of those who have read it, being so uniform, that it has been a great blessing to their souls, — another Edition is sent fcrth to the world, which I desire to leave a token of my love to the Slave, and the cause of SuprERiNG Humanity, while I go far hence to labor, and die, for the degraded of other lands.

GEORGE THOMPSON.

Oberlin, December IQtk, 1847.

Contents

PART EIRST.

Chapter I

iJesciiplioa of the prisoners — residence — motives and principles by xsrihicfc governed— tour of mercy — light in the darkness—betrayed — -taken and bouad—confidence in God — conduct of enemies — letter from Alanson to a brother — do. to his wife — extracts of letters from Greorge " - - - - » 13 — 21.

CHAPTEll 11.

Alanson's jounial — a murderer bailed — reflections of Gluiiicy committee — Alanson's journal - - » - . 21 — 36.

Chapter III

Poetry, why in prison — George's journal— the library and our feelmgs-~ journal — letter from George— leiter from James- -journal, poor mea in slave States, the vile woman— -Pal rollers — blasphemy — the churcli in slave States — the leaven working, friendly lawyer, a load of friends visit the jail, valuable cakes, counsel engaged 26 — 41.

Chapter IV

The sleeping preacher— his dream— dark places, full of cruelty— l?r» E?y's slave — bloody towns — effects of slavery — devices of the enemy

Chapter V

Letter to Mrs. Ballard— to Moses Hunter— the Missourian's letter— reflections — the Dr. Bosley affair — letter from James — from Alanson — 4rom George - . . - . 48—56,

CHAPTER Vr.

The command — the search — slave women in Palmyra — ^betrayers — a way opened to pass letters — rage of enemies — a slave whipped — promises sweet — letter to the church — sale of humau beings — rellec-

CONTENTS'.

tioas on P. C. L.'s ktter — court—tbe abolitiim stand— treatment cA our friends — closet mother—the sleeping preacher again — excitement - ^ - - - . - 5G— 70

CHAPTER Vlf.

Indictments — shackles ofF— jury chosen — ^witnesses, testitnon)' — the pleading- -journal — sentence — oar gallows, and murderers—bill of exceptions and instructions — appeal refused — novel decision — our Biurderers again, testicaony - - - . 70 — 85.

CHAPTER VIII.

loumal, twelve years in the penitentiary — a free man mobbed — mob in Cincinnati — the broken will — unbelief and faith — taking ':he slave's place— the last view — the Illinois and Missouri clergymen — in chains again— slaveholder's religion and Catholicism — tiusting in God — the day of adversity — letter from Aianson, his feelin, — letter from George to his parents — to Oberlin Evangelist — the slareholder's plan—the accusation, look at it — abrogation of God's law—" The slaves will iwt run away " — letters from George to a friend

85— iia

FAET SECOND.

Chapter I

Journey to the penitentiary — Sabbath — slaveholder' idea of happinessarrival at Missouri Rivw' - - - . 113 — lis.

Chapter II

Reception at penitentiary— the rules— journal how kept— the first night— the first morning — our cell, poetry—food — work- first Sabbath — second do. — brick kilns— character of officers — of prisoners — flogging— prayer in the cell, singing, reading— Alanson's first P. Y. letter — George's do.— chains off— the rmiaways — our library, reading by moonlight— the fijre - . - - - 116—142.

CHAPTER IIL

I^etter from George to a friend — -work in the city— a friend— treachery of prisoners— cbaia off, trastee— the Lord's supper, poetry — ^letter

CONTENTS writing— conversation — death of Ellen— slaveholder's consciencQ quieted — uses of scripture— runaways - - 142—156,

Chapter IV

A man killed — dog buried— funeral sermons — George's lett«r to parents — joyful discovery — that " salt" again — letter to a friend. — Sabkath shaving, Alanson whipped— the pleasing sight — friend brought letters — extract of answer — our character good in Msssouri—'fjiaves escaping — the polyglott Bible — extract of letter— abolition all the time — the harvest field — a man hung — ^visit of friends — "relieving the niggers" — the new cell — " the preachers " - 156 — 173.

Chapter V

The first convert— first death bed scene — alone in the woods—fruits on the Sabbath— "it's out of order," chained for attempting to speak in meeting—the door opening— gazed at— second death bed scene— a prisoner baptized — the sleeping guard-^" that won't count" — third death bed scene— experience telling meeting—seif defence 173 — 185.

Chapter VI

Talk with Capt. B. and a Senator— with Slocumb and Chandler— reflections — giving up principles — talk with Legislators — with Slocumb and J. Gallagher — letter to Governor and Legislature — clothing — sick - - - - - - - 185—198.

CHAPTER VIL

Desire and prayer for the conversion of the world — the sympathizing gard— talk with a sick man — fourth death bed scene — dishonesty of officers— ardent spirits — a novel case — the hypocrite — g^ambler's happiness— satisfaction— the wonder-r-reflections — the hand of the J.«rd . • . - 1QR_907

CONTENTS.

Chapter I

^Jew wardens — The. examination—recommendation — character of officers — ^points gained — influence of power — partiality— our work — food, table, blessing sought—unfeeling doctor — preaching — "sing tts one of the songs of Zion " — our first prayer meeting 207—217.

CHAPTER 11.

The revival — communion season — a dream interpreted — a convert— jonrnal — describing the revival— Lovejoy*s murderer — ^letter — the reconciliation— general remarks — the memorable communion sea* son - - 217— 2Si

CHAPTER m.

Letter to parents — ^the sick man's resolution — the sick bed repentance— reflections—letter — James outside — scarcity of food — the buffalo robes— knitting - - .. - 234— 24a

CHAPTER IV,

Vi»ii from friendSj privileges — ^journal — I.etters~-]>etlt!on — the privilege —the letters — departure— Judge B/?? hospitality — rejections

243-250.

CHAPTER Y.

Craal death— a man pardoned, why — amalgamation— the false tongue — the inspector's first examination— correspondence with the chaplain — ^letter from a Missouri brother — change of wardens again — new overseer — lamps— the load of sin — new responsibilities and duties — trials — a trying time— the New Year— letter— a great break— the broken arm— letter :o Mrs. Beardsley — cutting hair and head shaving — Dr. Ely — Governor Reynolds murdered — class organized and broken up - - - - - - 250—275,

CHAPTER VI.

Some interesting cases— poetry, "release of a prisoner" — intercession for Alanson — executive responsibility — James and the lawyer — jRHies and Alanson outside — W^.e's from them — conversation with

CONTENTSn xi a Legislator, reflections — female prisoners — a prohibitioL— nevf order — " my cup runneth over " — searching cells— narrow escapes

275—299.

CHAPTISR VII.

rifth death bed scene — reflections now — letter to parents — the beaten horse. — the slave and liberty — the Holy Spirit — the slave and his crime-^qnality of slaveholders* laws — our reformer — the little cioud — men made worse — the fourth of july — letter to a brother — condition of discipleship — letters from James — ray dreams — the incendiary letter — my deposition — letter — benefit of affliction — inspectors' second examination - - - - 292 — 308.

CHAPTER VIII.

False names — a note of thanks — tasks — the sick, reflections — recoramittents — extract from James' letter — from George's — the Christian slave — a break, cruelty—like seeks like — the unjust law — new chaplain — deatns— talk with legislators — monthly concerts — fighting — our stove — George an assistant to the chaplain — ho^yday, prayer meeting - - - - - - 308-324,

CHAP'FER IX.

Cixth death bed scene — Ictiar to th(J Vv-idow— New Year — egbrt for Alanson's release—talk : widi Legislators — Alanson pardoned, poetryj tveaK minds, the pardon— letter frOm Alanson — the lying Missourian -a mail murdered^ — a funeral sermon — the colporteur — the great cross —the temperance lecturer — prayer with prisoners — did he love liberty ?— Sabbath working — a slave*s theology - - 324 — 336.

CHAPTER X.

The chaplain driven away— the converted sailor — treatment of sickslaveholders converted— seventh death bed scene — the eighth death bed scene— bibles—temperance pledge, tobacco, &e, — holyday, and prayer meeting — Capt. Gorden's humanity! — extract of a letter— "abolition niggers" — the unfortunate family — inspector's third ex amination — " not this man, but Barrabas " — Pope G.— Fussing guard — address to Gov. E., poetry — More pardoned — a case of cruelty — nothing against me — visit from friends, rich blessings— slaveholder's Christianity— ducking — new preacher — new prisoner

336—355.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XL

Another interesting case — JamoB fainted — a day of fasting and prayer- Catholics — petition for us— Chase and Judge B.— )etter to Gov. E — secretary of state talked with us — James pardoned — poetr}"" — new cell mate — the slave's request — hogs out— conversation with Stringfellow — converts — fugitive missionary — tlie Lord defended me — ^last communion— Miss Dix— -Capt. G.'s sabbaih breaking— conversation with a sick convert— p-. etry, Torrey's death - - 35{>— 370.

CHAPTER XU.

The aged father 's visit to his son in prison — conversation about my private sentiments— why not do so again— my release — coaversatioR with the Governor— -time of imprisonment— farewell reSectidns— concluding address to the reader - - _ 3'yO-~377 nUSON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS.

PAUT FIRST.

CHAPTER I.

MOTIVES, ARREST. IMPRISONMENT, ETC.

The subjects of this narrative are Ax^anson Work, James E. Burr, and George Thompson. The former was a man about forty years old— having a wife and four children— he was living at the Mission Institute, for the sake of educating his children, and training them up /or usefulness. The other two persons were youn/y men studying for the ministry.

The Mission Institute being situated near the Mississippi River, and just acrosfi the River from a Slave State (Missouri), we could, as it were, hear the crack of the overseer's whip — the shrieks and groans of those who were suffering its cruel inflicticas. Their earnest cries for help — their sighs for deliverance-— their importunate entreaties, as they rehearsed to us their tales of woe, reached our ears, and our hearts melted with pity, while the resolution was formed to respond to their call ; and if need be, risk our own liberty and lives to effect their rescue.

Inasmuch as we desired mercy from the " God of heaven,'' should we at any time, be brought into trouble, we did not dare to shut our eyes, nor our ears, nor our hearts, nor to restrain our hands from delivering them out of their troubles — remembering, * Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, and shall not he heardJ^^ We knew if we were in theii

A TOUR OF MERCY condition, we should feel very tliankfnl to any one who would render us the desired assistance ; and then calling to mind the gospel rule, " As ye would that men shouM do to you, do ye even so unto them," we felt impelled to lend a helping hand. Likewise the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, impressed upon us the same obligation— so that we made up our minds, with earnest prayer for divine guidance, and anxious consultation, in view of these and many other principles and commands, to make the attempt— to " rid them out of the hand of the oppressor."

About the first of July, 1841, James, with another brother, made a tour of mercy into Missouri, which resulted in an agreement with two slaves, to meet them at a certain point on the river, on a certain evening, to assist them across the river, on their way to freedom. On the day appointed, we went, arriving at the place about the middle of the afternoon. Alanson and James went into the country to view and reconnoitre, while I remained in the skiff to fish, and await their return. While thus alone my prayer was, " 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send us good speed this day." And we now feel that the prayer was abundantly answered — though in a very different way from what we expected. We desired the liberation of the slaves. God knew how to bring it -about, better than we did. We longed to be instrumental in doing something for our brethren in bonds. God granted us our hearts' desire. And a happy day for the slaves of Missouri was it, when we were taken captive, bound, and incarcerated in their midst. This was placing the light just were it was most needed— in the dense darkness— and where it made visible the abominations that prevailed. Blessed be God ! After dark, a number of slaves came to Alanson and James, in the prairie, and pretended they were going with them. They had proceeded but a short distance, when on a sudden, the slaveholders arose out of the grass, with their rifles, and took them prisoners — ^placing the muzzle of their guns to their breasts, and threatening, " I will shoot him any how,"— but the mercy of the Lord prevailed. They were bound.

and taken to a house, where they were kept, while the blood-hounds came in hot pursuit of me. I was in the skiff. At first three or four slaves came, and approaching the bonK very cautiously, one asked, " Are yovi a fri^ndV* I replied, i am." I had talked with them but a short time, when suddenly I heard another kind of a salutation, " Come out of that, or I'll blow you through I looked up, and two guns were pointed at me from the bank. I was obedient to my new commanders^ — dropped my fishing pole, and marched up to them, in secret ejaculations committing myself to God, to do with me as He saw best. Though the thing was so perfectly unlooked for, and unthought of, the Lord stood by me, saying, "/ear noiy I am with thee"-^and my mind was calm — my soul composed — and my faith unwavering, that all was right and for the best. Of what was before me, I could form no conception, but felt that infinite wisdom and goodness would lead me. Sudden death seemed quite probable, amid their numerous threats to shoot me; ''but none of these things moved me, neither counted I my life dear unto myself, so that 1 might finish my course with joy" in the holy cause of suffering humanity. To die for the slave I felt willing, if this was the thing needed — ^the Lord being Judge* . I was bound, and marched barefoot, over hubs, roots, and stones. Host after host came with all speed to meet us, and " the earth rang again" with their fiendish yells. It seemed almost as if the infernal regions had been uncapped, and had vomited forth their legions to hail our approach, as if some long dreaded monster had been raptured. But oh i how sweet it was to feel that they could not go beyond what my Father should kindly and wisely permit. This kept me in peace.

After they had eaten supper, they marched us some miles through the woods to another house. They made the slaves lead as by a rope, and sing " corn songs."* it seemed as if the very forests themselves were moved at the bursts of such unearthly sounds-— and if there

♦ See page 18, for explanation.

LED AWAY BY HOPES.

were any wild beasts in the region, they must have flea for their lives, to their caverns, or dens, or more distant forests. When we came to the house, we were marched round it time and £v^|ain ; "fiiid when we halted in front of the piazra, the old grand-father and mother, and children — old and young, male and female, came out in their night dresses to gaze upon the wonderful monstfex's* The old grandfather, tottering just on the verge of the grave, gave a little vent to his boiling soul, in the exclamation — Ah ! you gallows-looking devils After their curiosity was somewhat gratified, we laid us down upon a feather bed, on the floor — ail tied together — and slept sweetly till morning. We awoke refreshed and strengthened to endure the reproaches and sufferings which were before us, with patience, fortitude, and I trust submission. That morning a man came in to see us, who asked many questions, and made threats of shooting us on the spot. He was a professor of religion ' — seemed very much excited, and had hard struggles to keep from drawing his pistols on us, but " the good hand of our God upon us," saved us from his burning fury.

At the breakfast table, we asked a blessing on our food, while the landlady and others stood by. She seemed almost horror struck, that such wretches as we should pray I — for she looked upon us as monsters of iniquity. The poor woman seemed to have some idea of the numerical strength of the Abolitionists — for said she, " They are as thick down there in the bottoms, as maggots in a dead horse, watching for slaves.'* And so terrified was she at the thought, that she had not been able to sleep soundly for two weeks! Poor woman! Who can help pitying one who is obliged to live in such constant fear 1

After breakfast, a crowd gathered round, who questioned us in many things, and gave vent to their raging "bosoms, in sneers and reproaches. We were then tied .ogether, and led hy the slaves (to mortify us) five miles, to Palmyra. The city was moved at our approach, many saying, " Who are these 1" " Well, you've made a tine naul," &c. In the court house, we had a mock trial

THRTJST INTO PRISON,

Defore a magistrate and were " thrust into prison," to await the sitting of the court, two and a half rhonths from that time. After they had left us, we knelt down, and committed ourselves to God, imploring his guidance and protection, feeling that He had wise purposes to accomplish by this unintelligible dispensation.

The following from Alanson to a brother in Quincy, will give further particulars.

Dear Brother : — I am a ^^moner in a land, where to tell a man, made in the image of his Maker, that he has a right to freedom, is a crime of the deepest dye. James and I walked four or five miles back into the country. The first human being that we saw, was a woman and her son hoeing tobacco. James spoke to her, and I walked on. He found that she wanted to be free, and agreed to help her. We next came to a house | James went in, and learned from a slave (the whites being absent), that the slaves he had seen before, were in the field alone. We went to them, it being now sunset. We asked them if they were going — they told us they were, and that one, living a mile from them, where they they would come three hours after dark. We were seen by white men while with the slaves. After dark, we came and waited, anxiously listening for the signal. After some time we heard a distant whistle, and by answering repeatedly, soon came to five slaves—three or four miles from the river, on a bottom prairie. After salutations and professions, we started in a foot path for the river, rejoicing in the prospect of helping the oppressed to liberty and happiness— when, suddenly three men arose from the high grass. The slaves having betrayed us, now seized us, bound our hands, and marched us back in triumph to the first house. A company then started, and after two hours, returned with Brother George, — the slaves singing and shouting — making a song for the occasion. We were soon put on the march

LETTER, had some clothes to get ith them, and that

LfiTTER TO ME3. WO)aB:.

for the residence of one of the patty, two or three miles distant— -each of us being led by a slave — others following, weaving the past and present circumstances, wi^ Our future prospects, into a song, which they made to echo through the woods, to the great satisfaction of their masters and friends, who were on horseback. When we arrived at the house, we were marched around, and stared at .as little less than Infernals. The language used, I will not attempt to describe. The next morning we were tied together, and taken on foot to Palmyra — being led by slaves, and escorted by fifteen horsemen. We were taken to the court house, a warrant issued against us — witnesses examined, and Ave committed, for stealing slaves (!) We were not permitted to speak for ourselves, but were taken to Jail, and the doors closed upon us. Under these trying circumstances we looked up to Him, who came to preach " deliverance to the captives, and the opening of prison doors to them that are bound," and found the promise of God precious to our souls.

Soon after dark, the Sheriff, Jailer, and others came in, and made us fast to a chain fifteen or sixteen feet long. One end of the chain was made fast to the wall. Near the other end, an iron was put through a link and riveted around my ankle. Brother Burr was placed about two feet from me, and George about two feet farther.

To his wife, Alanson wrote :

" My Dear Wife : — I write from Palmyra Jail. The wall is about four feet thick, m.ade of two thicknesses of hewed logs with one foot of stone between them, and the outside brick. We feel that God is here. Send to us if you can. We have asked for a Bible, a Hymn Book, and paper. They reply, ' yes,' but do not. (Nearly a week elapsed, before we could get a Bible from any of them — at length an impenitent Lawyer brought us his.) Our enemies rejoice over us. Pray that we may be Christ-like. Be not troubled : the Lord will provide, and pfotect. Myself and companions sit

EXTRACTS FKOM LETTERS. W

on the floor. We have three or four (very poor) blankets for a bed. Our food is corn bread and bacon, which we eat with our fingers ; but we have meat to eat which they know not of—' a contented mind is a continual feast.' I am not anxious about myself, but feel that ^ tribulation will work patience.' I feel that if you will trust in God, He will make ' all things work together for your good^ — and this affliction prove a blessing to you, and give an impulse to the cause of truth and mercy. We know not our destiny, but fear the worst, and trust we shall be prepared for it."

On the same piece of paper I wrote : " Dear Brother Hunter, if we could see you and Mr. Warren, we should like it. It is evident they are determined to send us to Jefferson. Two men were sworn who testified falsely. Can you come % We rejoice in our chains. May the Lord direct."

On the same I wrote to the church of which we were members.

" Brethren and Sisters, you may think w^e repent the step we have taken. Jfot at all. We feel that we are in chains for Jesus^ sake. The 2d, 3d, and 4th chapters of 1 Peter are very precious to us, as also the whole * Letter of our Father.' We feel that good will result from our being here — ^that our Master knows best what kind of a school we need. We can now sympathize with the slave as never before. We know how the chain feels. But our trials are light, compared with his. Pfav for us. Our only hope is in God. Pray in faith— Goa will hear.

"Yours in bonds,

Geor^je."

About the same time (July X5), I wrote to M. C, "I am now separated from you very unexpectedlj — but however the case may turuc I know the * Judge of all the earth will do right' — and that < all things shall work together for good to them who love God.' You may think that I am unhappy. By no meanSi I am happy in my Savior."

July 19. I wrote to the same :— It seems very strange for me to date a letter to you from Prison, Yet so it IS. Did you ever imagine such a thing ? I had thought of trials and persecutions when we should be far among the heathen, and had imagined the thing possible, that I might be cast into prison in Illinois, * for conscience toward God,' but such a circumstance as this I now realize, I had not thought much about. Yet be assured, I am happy in my Savior. I have an unshaken confidence that this shall turn out for my good, for yours, and for the good of Christ's cause. With this confidence can I be troubled or uneasy 1 *^ Be careful for nothing ; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.' — Phil. iv. 6, 7. This is very sv/eet. My Bible is more than ever precious. Pray for my mother, that this may be sanctified to her present and eternal good. Try and make the same profitable improveme|it of it yourself. Don't be over-anxious. Roll the care upon Jesus, and there let us leave it. Exercise an unwavering confidence in his providence. Our kind Father has wise reasons for putting me here ; and * what thou knowest not now thou shalt know hereafter.' We should be willing to be in just that school that He sees we need. I hope I am willing. Pray that I may learn thoroughly and faithfully the lesson He intends I shall learn. When I have learned my lesson well, then I know He will take me out. And should I desire to leave school before I get my lesson 1 Oh no. I do desire that discipline and instruction which will best qualify me for the greatest usefulness.