Charles Frederick Holder

“ The girl stated that she was kidnapped in China and brought to America by a man under threats, who sold her to another slave dealer for $400. He in turn sold her for $1,700. She supposed that she was to find a husband in San Francisco. Miss Culbertson of the Congregational Mission stated that as much as $3,000 has been paid for a girl. The efforts of the missionary to save these women is a chapter in itself, and the records abound in exciting episodes. ”

“ They had a perfect organization, issued commissions to men who fought for them, who were as well cared for as soldiers, inasmuch as they received a salary and were pensioned if wounded or killed, and defended and protected in every way. ”

“ The latter fell due, and the woman foreclose and took the girl, who was finally found in a den in Dupont Street. She was arrested as a minor by Detective Cox at the suggestion of Miss Culbertson, who adopted her, and all the power of the slave trade societies were brought to bear to regain her. The services of an American lawyer were obtained and a novel suit was begun. ”

“ Soldiers were detailed to kill her, the mission people were threatened with death, and doubtless the sentence would have been carried out by the soldiers of the society had not the greatest care been taken. The late Rev. F. J. Masters stated that he had been sentenced to death a number of times by the highbinders. Ah Ong finally tried to make the case of an international affair, and took the matter to the Chinese Consul, who had the temerity to go officially to the mission, with his suite, and demand the girl. ”