Letter
Maumee City, April 5,
1845.
Chas. H. Stewart, Esq. Dear
Sir: —
Your
favor of 13th February, addressed to me at Perrysburgh, was not received until yesterday; having
removed to this place the
letter
was not forwarded as it should have been, In reply to your inquiry respecting Henry Bibb, I can
only say that about the year 1838 I became acquainted with him at Perrysbugh — employed
him to do some work by the job which he performed well, and from
his apparent honesty and candor, I became much interested in him. About that time he went South
for the purpose, as was said, of getting his wife, who was there in slavery. In the spring of 1841, I
found him at Portsmouth on the Ohio river, and after
much persuasion, employed him to assist my man to drive home some horses and cattle which I
was about purchasing near Maysville, Ky. My confidence in him was such that when about half
way home I separated the horses from the cattle, and left him with the
latter, with money and instructions to hire what help he wanted to get to Perrysburgh. This he
accomplished to my entire satisfaction. He worked for me during the summer, and I was unwilling
to part with him, but his desire to go to school and mature plans
for the liberation of his wife, were so strong that he left for Detroit, where he could enjoy the
society of his colored brethren. I have heard his story and must say that I have not the least reason
to suspect it being otherwise than true, and furthermore,
I firmly believe, and have for a long time, that he has the foundation to make himself useful. I shall
always afford him all the facilities in my power to assist him, until I hear of something in relation
to him to alter my mind.
Yours
in the cause of truth,
J. W. SMITH.