The Columbian fountain., 1846-10-12
aoraIitp Eittrature ARTS, setnft Bnsintss ano sn
Rev. ]. I. WARD. Assistant Editor
PRICE ONE CENT.

flow in the moral veins of slave hplders.
He regarded with psterual kindness all who
were dependent upon him, and It is said he
was never known 70 treat slave unkindly.
Shepard was Virginian--ip the proper
sense Of the term. One whose mouth was
ever filed with the cry Of Liberty Equal
ity while his hand was ever ready 10 rivet
the chain upon the negro and to scourgs
him without mercy. Towards those bear
ing the accursed hue he WIS ia fact like .
.ferocious beast, and was slways ready for
the slightest provocation and frequently for
no provoca.ion at all, 10 subject ihemao the
last degree Of cruel and merciless treatment.
All who were so unfortunate as to fall with
in the sphere Of his power were made 10
feel his cruelty. ~
Bell and Shepard at length determined
10 dissolve partnership, and agreed 10 di-
vide their stock both Of merchandise and
slaves, except G. Teage who was superior
workman. A price was TO be set upon
him, and he was TO have his choice to go
to either. Each was anxious for him, and
to effect his purpose the demon Shepard
concerted what he supposed could not but
prove an efectual plan. He, sought private
conferences with G. Teage, expressed great
sorrow for past unkind treatment, assured
him that Bell, who was "a snake in the
grass had prompted what he had hitherto
done, declared he was anxious to be sepa-
rated from him in order that he might ma
nifest the kind impulses Of his heart, and
hinted his intention, if matters should 60
right of doing great things for him. All
this was very good-and very f,rcible. and
very tempting. But neither the goodness
nor the face, nor the temptation, nor all
combined was sufficient 10 destroy the
force OF the evidence which had been fire.
quently received Of his cruel and iendish
disposition. These conferences were duly
reported to Bell, who was much concerned
/, ssl Shepard should circumvent him. Shep-
ar.t was as failhless to his engagements az
he u,a.s cruel to his slaves, and therefore TO
make sure Of his defeat, G. Teage ad-
vised Bell to have competent witnesses
present, thai when the election, should be
made il might lie fixed be,-ond revocation.
Shepard was quite easy, his fe.srs fad been
ilnlled. G. Teage was quite easy, HI. Is course
was marked out. The day came-.he e~swIt-
nesses were present. Tho question was
put Colin whom will you 20 To-? Bell
was the prompt response Shepard roared
and raved like him of whom he was a fit
ling type, and swore eternal vengeance.
Years afterward G., Teagc was at the
head Of Bcll's saddlery: "a circumstance
most unusual in Virginia where white Jour-
neymen are employed. His business was
to cut out work-purchase materials, sell
and collect money. Bell had prospered and
is now wealthy. At this time he was not
only foreman Of Bell 3 establishment receiv-
ing more than paternal kindness from his
owner, but lie was a.religious man and
preacher Of the everlasting gospel TO the
people Of color in and around Richmond.
His labors in the gospel were by Him, who
out of the mouth Of babes and sucklinps
ordaineth praise, owned and blessed not on
ly to people of color. Some pious and be-
nevolent white persons thinking he could be
more extensively useful if he were free
which in regard to him could be only tech
nically applied, as Bell allowed him every
liberty he required concluded they would
raise sufficient sum of money, purchase
his freedom and lie. him 60 as missionary
among the colored people. The money was
subscribed. A committee called on Bell
and stated the object Of their visit. 4
Bell flew into a passion, thing most un-
usual with him and swore he would not sell
him for his weight in gold. The gentlemen
retired somewhat fearful that in an attempt
TO do c. Teage kindness they had done him
an injury. G. Teage who was at work in
the same apartment also felt a little uneasy.
A few moments afterward Bell left the
room apparently much agitated. An hour
from that time he returned, handed C. Teage
a paper saying edo you think would sell
a man who has made me what J am all |
ask of you is to remain with me till ! die and
all have shall be yours" That paper was
a deed of manumission drawn up by the
late lamented Upshur who at that time prac-
ticed law in Richmond - liberia Herald.