State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-07-05

the ladies' they drove us off, on foot, while
the old gentleman sat down and wept bit.
terly. The ladies' retired for prayer and
the Lord heard them. On our way we
were both treated with great brutality
Enraged to the highest pitch with rum and
the spirit of their master, they could not
ngree as to what manner they might wrcak
their vengeance on us. Finally, after cross
ing prairie about five miles wide, md
coming to the edge of beautiful grove,
they were commanded to halt by their cap
tain, and ordered TO form hollow square
or circle, with their horses which was done.
We were marched into the centre, and the
great Sanhedrim was set; but they appear
ed more cXaspcratcd than wise. They
first moved that each should have $50 lashes.
Brother Benson's case was then first tried,
who was charged only with "pcrnicious
sentiments" and to whom they gave, MS
they termed il, an "honorable dismssion,"
upon conditions that he would not dissem-
mate his doctrines among the slaves, to
which he gave assent, and rode out Of the
place.
My case was then held up for invcstiga-
ton. Lawyer Wright was appointed
spokesman. On his calling for the man
ncr of punishment, some proposed tar and
feathers Others one hundred lashcs, others
10 take me to Palmyra, and keep me there
until night, then dauh me with tar, and
burn me with the books. MIR Wright final
ly made a proposition, to which they agreed
which was, that must either receive $50
lashcs, OF leave the state. But when they
found preferred the lashcs to being driven
from the state, they would not let that stand,
but made another, which was, that | must
have $50 lashos tceH laid on, and if lived
through it, | must lose my life if found
within the bounds of the state after the
following Saturday. Seeing that it was
impossible for me TO accomplish any thing
under these circumstances within the
state, concluded to leave it. Upon these
grounds they released me, taking the books
with them, which | wished them to read,
and added, hoped they would do them
good. But before separated, MIR Wright
was appointed to rcprimand me. After nc
was done, wished to defend myself by
reply. But they all cried out awe won't
hear him"
Throughout all my trim! felt composed,
and rceonriled to the will of my heavenly
Father; feeling conscious that | deserved
whipping, for | had not done half what |
ought for my brothers in bondage. trust
the scene was not in vain. It's excellent
training for missionary; in fact don't
know how should get along without it.
The hearts of the sisters and brother N.
whom we left in the sorrow of their soul,
and who prayed earnestly for us, were re-
loiced to see us return alive.
On the evening of the 18th, ut midnight,
company came and took brother vii.
lians to drag him to town before Magis-
tratc, under the pretence Of legal authority,
for the purpose of enforcing a fine, which
they pretended he was liable to pay for re-
ceivng the free colored boys. lie was not
liable, and doubtless will recover damages.
Their plan that night was, to take Williams,
and me as witness, to Palmyra, under the
above pretencc, from whence, doubtless we
should lave never returned. We avoided
going by his paying $50.
Special word being sent to brother VIII
lianlS from this royal council, for him to
depart the state upon the same day, we ac-
corlingy did so, together with some stu
dents who had received the same COM
mands; but did not get off so easy them
After arriving on the banks of the Missis-
sippi ut La Grange, we could not get boat
to cross in, hence had TO wait. In the mean
time new company Of hungry wolves
came upon us, and examined minutoly all
our baggage, &c. A heavy rain common
ccp falling, which added considerably to
our troubles. We soon asscertaincd that
we could get canoe by going three miles,
which was willingly done; and with the
family in, we padded ten miles, TO Quincy,
Illinois, where we arc ut present, rejoicing
to get away from those darker shores Of
slavery but regrettng that those that arc
bound could not be rs free ms VIC.
Your brother in Christ,
A. G. GARRATT.