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Subtitle: The American Citizen--Canada Mission--Ourself.

Title: Colored American - April 10, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer replies to an article in the American Citizen newspaper indicating that fugitives are being aided in their escape to Canada. He says that the belief that African Americans who succeed in other countries will reflect positively on those left in the U.S. is just another scam to realize the goals of Colonization. He wonders why it's necessary for African Americans to leave their home country to show their own worth when they can do this now where they are.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Title: Colored American - August 14, 1841

Speaker or author: L.

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer responds to an article from the New Era newspaper describing the poor condition of fugitive slaves living in Canada. The writer emphasizes that contrary to what the article says, living in poverty is preferable to living as a slave.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Queen's Army.

Title: Colored American - June 23, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer reports that a lot of fugitive slaves are finding their way to Canada and serving in the army there.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Railroads.

Title: Colored American - September 26, 1840

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer calls attention to the convenience and effeciency of railroad transportation. He emphasizes how railroads are facilitating the escape of fugitive slaves.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Henry Bibb

Speaker or author: Bibb, Henry, b. 1815

Newspaper or publication: Emancipator

Speech welcoming escaping slaves who had crossed into Canada from Detroit with the help of the Underground Railroad. (Includes MP3 audio file.)

Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 325 word document (text and images)

Title: Henry W. Johnson

Speaker or author: Johnson, Henry W., abolitionist

Newspaper or publication: North Star

Speech delivered during a celebration of the August 1st emancipation of the British West Indies. The speaker stresses the plight of those still enslaved in this country but is encouraged by events that he sees must lead the U.S. to emancipation.

Description of file(s): PDF 24 page, 5,038 word document (text and images)

Subtitle: To the Public.

Title: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate - December 8, 1842

Speaker or author: Myers, Stephen

Newspaper or publication: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate (1842 - 18??)

The editor responds to his critics.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate - January 2, 1843

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate (1842 - 18??)

The writer urges his readers to sign a petition to eliminate slavery in New York state. He assures them that the newspaper will continue to do all it can to assist fugitive slaves traveling to Canada.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Rev. Wm. King.--The Buxton Settlement.

Title: Provincial Freeman - April 15, 1854

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer describes the Elgin Settlement established by Reverend William King. This Christian community offers a way for people of African descent to live together in peace, harmony and prosperity.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: "Stealing the Livery of Heaven to Serve the Devil."

Title: Provincial Freeman - April 4, 1857

Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer responds to those who believe that the refugees from slavery who are arriving in her area are needing of aid and in a dire state. The assumption that those of African descent living in Canada are needy and barely surviving is insulting.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Dawn Institute.

Title: Provincial Freeman - April 7, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer comments on a recent lecture regarding the management troubles of the Dawn Institute.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Speeches of Mr. Dall of Canada, and Mr. Remond of the United States, on the 1st of August, at Abington, Massachusetts.

Title: Provincial Freeman - August 19, 1854

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer offers his opinions of the views of two anti-slavery lecturers. This is mainly a critique of the opinons of Mr. Dall on the future success of people of African descent living in Canada.

Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Title: Provincial Freeman - August 29, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

Brief note mentioning that each day more and more fugitives are arriving in Canada via the Underground Railroad.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Beggars.

Title: Provincial Freeman - December 27, 1856

Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer warns readers about the spread of those who collect money illegally under the guise of helping the poor.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Provincial Freeman - February 2, 1856

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The editor reports on a story published in another newspaper regarding an incidence when a fugitive female slave cut the throats of her children when she knew capture was imminent.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: "Old Clothes."

Title: Provincial Freeman - January 3, 1857

Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer offers a "tongue in cheek" response to recently received "old clothes" for those of African descent living in Chatham. She notes that while there are poor of other nationalities living in parts of the U.S., no one sends them old clothes. Yet the assumption is that if you are black and living in Canada you must be poor enough to need cast-off clothing. This is not necessarily the case.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: The Circular Calling upon Fugitives from Canada for West India Labours.

Title: Provincial Freeman - July 1, 1854

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer expresses his opinion of a circular he received calling for people of African descent living in Canada to work in the British West Indies. He believes this is another immigration scheme created by those who suppose these people are not smart enough to stay where they are.

Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

Subtitle: The Discourse by the Rev. Dr. Helmuth of the Colonial Church and School Society.

Title: Provincial Freeman - June 18, 1859

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer gives a brief overview of an address given by a representative of the Church of England who traveled to Chatham to speak on "benevolent and philanthropic religious societies."

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: A Movement in the Right Direction.

Title: Provincial Freeman - June 23, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer critiques an article published in the Michigan Free Democrat regarding a new society formed to help fugitive slaves arriving in Canada.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Subtitle: The Amherstburg Appeal.

Title: Provincial Freeman - June 30, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer comments on a circular he received discussing the factional changes taking place in the True Band of Amerherstburg Society, a charitable organization established to help fugitive slaves arriving in Canada.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Aiding Slaves to Escape.

Title: Provincial Freeman - June 30, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer briefly comments on the status of the Underground Railroad. He suggests a couple of ways to improve this system.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Provincial Freeman - May 12, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer contends that continuing the idea that people of African descent who immigrate to Canada are ignorant and unable to care for themselves does more harm than good. Helping these people find jobs and property is beneficial. Treating them like ignorant children is degrading.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Title: Provincial Freeman - May 19, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer comments on what he believes is another scheme in the guise of helping fugitives who are immigrating to Canada. He tells his readers that this is just another person attempting to take advantage of people of African descent who hope to find refuge in Canada.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Our Free Colored Emigrants.

Title: Provincial Freeman - May 20, 1854

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer discusses the general Canadian views on the immigration of people of African descent. Sentiment is divided into two camps: Emigrationists and Anti-Emigrationists. While these immigrants are arriving from various countries, the concern is mostly centered on those coming across the border from the U.S.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: More Begging! Elder Piper, Free Mission Baptist Missionary at Chatham!! Clothes for Fugitives!!

Title: Provincial Freeman - May 30, 1857

Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893

Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)

The writer calls attention to the continued solicitation of charity for fugitive slaves living in Canada. This type of "begging" for help is unwelcomed and unwanted by the people of African descent living in Canada.

Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages

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