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but he imagined what his own feelings would be if he were in poor Joe's situation, and he determined to contrive some way or other to assist him, He consulted with a prudent and benevolent neighbor, who told him that a Quaker by the name of
John Stapler, in
Buck's County, was a good friend to colored people, and the fugitive had better be sent to him. Accordingly, a letter was written to Friend
Stapler, and given to Joe, with instructions how to proceed.
Meanwhile,
Captain Cox brought tidings that he had secured a passage to
Bermuda.
Joe thanked him, and went on board the vessel, as he was ordered.
But a day or two after, he obtained permission to go to
Mr. Tatem's house to procure some clothes he had left there.
It was nearly sunset when he left the ship and started on the route, which Isaac had very distinctly explained to him. When the sun disappeared, the bright moon came forth.— By her friendly light, he travelled on with a hopeful heart until the dawn of day, when he arrived at Friend Stapler's house and delivered the letter.
He was received with great kindness, and a situation was procured for him in the neighborhood, where he spent the remainder of his life comfortably, with ‘none to molest or make him afraid.’
This was the first opportunity Isaac had of carrying into effect his early resolution to befriend the oppressed Africans.