University of Virginia Library

Much honor is due Mr. Dunlap and family, both from myself and race. He was one of the leading men of Philadelphia in the anti-slavery movement, and a just man. I went to Philadelphia with soldiers and sailors from Washington in 1866, to celebrate the nomination of U. S. Grant. Before I was ready to return I lost my ticket. I was left by my companions without any means for securing another, for I did not have enough money to hire a night's lodging, and every person whom I met rejected me on that account. Coming down Broad street about eight o'clock in the night I was interrupted by two gentlemen, who, on seeing me, said: “There goes a carpet-bagger.” I replied that carpet-baggers do not come from the South.

“Where are you from?” asked Mr. William Dunlap. “I am from North Carolina, but from Washington here.” After questioning me closely, “Take my card,” said he, “and go to my house, tell my wife to give you a good supper and bed, and I hope you will remain with us until Monday.” I thanked him and started. On reaching the door I at first hesitated to ring the bell; finally I pulled the knob which brought Mrs. Dunlap to the door. She is a generous lady and had a profound reverence for the words of her husband. After presenting Mr. Dunlap's card, she politely invited me into the parlor. In a short time Mr. Dunlap came in and inquired for the stranger. “He is in the parlor,” said Mrs. Dunlap. I was soon surrounded by all the members of that happy because a good family. After receiving an introduction to them all, supper was prepared; and although Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap had eaten before, they sat down and took tea with myself. Now, after supper, Mr. Dunlap requested me to give a brief sketch of my life, which I gladly did. The whole family seemed to me to be exceedingly interested in my story, but little William and Eliza, although very young, looked upon me with purely angelic faces, and before the evening passed I became the centre of attraction. At last the clock struck ten. Mr. Dunlap took down his bible and read a chapter. The family sang a hymn and I was invited to lead in prayer. It was, of course, an arduous task, but I performed it to the best of my ability.

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I was then directed to a well arranged bed-chamber, where I enjoyed sweet repose from the fatiguing scenes of the day. On awaking in the morning I found myself in so different a place from what I had anticipated, that I was at a loss to determine whether I was awake or dreaming. You will readily believe that this beautiful apartment was a striking contrast to the coal-box I was about to seek shelter for the night on one of the wharves of that great city. The floor was nicely carpeted; the bed made of feathers, and dressed with rose-bordered blankets, and a snow-ball counterpane, with pillows as soft as downy pillows are. There was a large spring-bottomed rocking-chair, a bowl and pitcher, a bureau with a large mirror on it, and many other things which augmented the comfort and happiness of its fortunate occupant. I remained with them until Wednesday, at which time, being supplied with passage money, I left for Washington. At the reception given General Grant in Philadelphia, Eliza Dunlap was the only child our great President kissed, and I have dedicated the following lines to her: