Another Fugitive Slave Case

The Cincinnati Commercial gives the particulars of a case which came up on the 13th instant, in which the fugitive escaped it is true, but how he is to be remunerated for telegraphing to his friends and for the other expenses, does not appear. Suppose Mr. Clark had not been in the city and the claimant of the slave had been unwilling to wait; of that one of our zealous Commissioners had been on the bench? The following is the substances of the story: - New York Tribune.

A gentleman from Maysville, Kentucky, names Jeremiah Ballenger, when walking along 6th Street, thought that he recognized in the proprietor of a barber shop there, a slave that escaped from him some ten years ago. In the afternoon Deputy Marshal Black, appeared at the barber shop and arrested the alleged fugitive who goes by the name of George Brown. The Negro was but little concerned and waked to the Commissioner's Office with a jovial air. He said he knew that he could prove that he was freeborn, and he could not, consequently be in danger of losing his liberty. Mr. Ballenger was not absolutely positive, but if this George Brown, and his Mose were not identical, there was between them the most remarkable resemblance that ever came to his knowledge. The alleged fugitive sent telegraphic dispatches to his friends in various parts, to come and prove his free birth.

Brown claimed to have been born in Vincennes, and it was learned that Mr. George J. Clark, from that place, who knew him well was in the city. After a short delay Mr. C., appeared and expressed himself much surprised to see Brown, whom he had known from a small boy, under arrest. Clark with the attorneys in the case - Col. Chambers for Mr. Ballenger and Judge Key for Brown - and Mr. Ballenger retired and has a private conversation. On returning, Col. Chambers announced that Clark's story was perfectly satisfactory. He was entirely positive as to his recollections and knowledge of Brown's birth and boyhood. Mr. Ballenger would not put his memory often years ago against Mr. Clark's certain knowledge.

Upon this the Commissioner announced that George Brown the alleged fugitive was discharged.

Frederick Douglass' Paper, September 30, 1853