The Experience of Rev. Thomas H. Jones, Who Was a Slave for Forty-Three Years: Written by a Friend, as Related to Him by Brother Jones

TESTIMONIALS.

[Page [80]] TESTIMONIALS. To the Friends of the hunted American Slave in England: BOSTON, March 29, 1851. In consequence of the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, at the last session of Congress, a general flight from the country of all fugitive slaves in the Northern States has become necessary as a matter of personal safety. Among the number thus compelled to leave is the bearer of this, Thomas H. Jones, a Wesleyan preacher, and a pastor of a colored church in the neighboring city of Salem, who carries with him a narrative of his life for sale. My personal acquaintance with him is limited; but those among my friends who know him intimately speak of him as a most worthy man, and one peculiarly entitled to the sympathy and aid of those who love God and regard man. Though he is a man, "created a little lower than the angels"— exemplary in life—a servant and minister of Jesus Christ—in all the United States there is not a spot on which he can stand in safety from pursuing bloodhounds, and must flee to England to prevent being again reduced to the condition of a beast! May the God of the oppressed raise him up many friends abroad! W M. LLOYD GARRISON. LYNN, Jan. 16, 1859. I have been for several years well acquainted with the bearer of this note, Rev. Thomas H. Jones, and it is a pleasure to me to recommend him cordially to all who love God, humanity and freedom. He was forty-three years a slave, but by great courage, industry and perseverance, has fought his way to freedom of body and spirit, and has devoted himself with fidelity and 84  success to the spiritual salvation of men. He has a family, part free and part yet in bonds, whose wants roll heavy responsibilities on him as a husband and father, and is therefore obliged to toil hard for daily bread. I bespeak for him the sympathy and benevolence of the public as an earnest, honest Christian man, worthy of all confidence that he may claim, and of all assistance that he may solicit. FALES H. NEWHALL, Pastor of South Street M. E. church. WILMINGTON, April 25, 1857. I am personally acquainted with Rev. Thomas H. Jones, a fugitive from slavery. During the past two years have heard him preach and lecture to large congregations with much acceptance. Bro. Jones is a warm-hearted Christian and a worthy minister of Jesus Christ. It will do any people good to hear him tell the "Story of his wrongs." ORIGEN SMITH, Pastor of the Baptist church in Dover, Vt. GREENWICH, March 9, 1857. This may certify that Thomas H. Jones, a fugitive from Southern bondage, lectured to us last evening in a very acceptable manner, and enlisted the interest and sympathy of the people in no ordinary degree. He is a true man and a beloved brother and a fellow-laborer in the Lord. He leaves behind him in his departure a pleasant impression, both in the family and in public. He is hereby commended to the kind regards and friendly aid of all who love the Divine Redeemer, and have sympathy with the oppressed. E. P. BLODGETT.  85 [Page 81]PORTLAND, April 1, 1857. Dear Brother Garnet: This will introduce you to the Rev. Thos. H. Jones, who has been a slave in North Carolina, and who like thousands of others has been obliged to flee, and seek an asylum on British soil. He is a good brother, and considering his advantages, few can go before him as a lecturer. He has been for the last year settled in Salem, Mass., and has also lectured in most of the New England states, and I believe generally with acceptance; he has lectured and preached in my church; and I trust that he may meet with as kind acceptance in old England as what he has in New England. Yours, with respect, A. N. FREEMAN. ST. JOHN, New Brunswick, June, 1851. My Dear Brother Gallaway: Mr. Jones, an emancipated slave, is on his way to Great Britain. He has been here for a few weeks—has occupied your old pulpit in the basement story, and mine too, much to the pleasure and enjoyment of our people. He is a very interesting and excellent man. If you can do anything to promote his interest in the great...