CHAPTER II

Origin and Growth of the Underground Road Conditions under which the Underground Road originated 17 The disappearance of slavery from the Northern states 17 Early provisions for the return of fugitive slaves 19 The fugitive slave clause in the Ordinance of 1787 20 The fugitive slave clause in the United States Constitution 20 The Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 21 The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 22 Desire for freedom among the slaves 25 Knowledge of Canada among the slaves 27 Some local factors in the origin of the underground movement 30 The development of the movement in eastern Pennsylvania, in New Jersey, and in New York 33 The development of the movement in the New England states 36 The development of the movement in the West 37 The naming of the Road 44 [xvi]CHAPTER III The Methods of the Underground Railroad Penalties for aiding fugitive slaves 47 Social contempt suffered by abolitionists 48 Espionage practised upon abolitionists 50 Rewards for the capture of fugitives and the kidnapping of abolitionists 52 Devices to secure secrecy 54 Service at night 54 Methods of communication 56 Methods of conveyance 59 Zigzag and variable routes 61 Places of concealment 62 Disguises 64 Informality of management 67 Colored and white agents 69 City vigilance committees 70 Supplies for fugitives 76 Transportation of fugitives by rail 78 Transportation of fugitives by water 81 Rescue of fugitives under arrest 83