CSPAN3 July 7, 2012
materials. starting in 1851, mail sent between new york and california, for example was charged a flat rate of 3 cents per half ounce. this meant that anyone, and that included fugitive slaves like banks could correspond with family and friends cheaply. slaves contemplating escape sometimes made plans with friends and family already in the north and in canada before leaving. a man with the unfortunate name of john bull and joe mayor, two of the five run aways found on a steam ship in the james river in 1858 knew where they were going. bull had arranged with friends in canada to be hi...
Source: archive.org