Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-06-23
nlisfellancous.
The Silent Hunter.

The following narrative is strictly historical
and truthful. We are indebted to Weber, the
hunter naturalist, for it:
Shortly before the American War of Inde
pendence, there arrived in New England an Or
phan boy called Bill Smtn. Some friends of
his parents took an interest in him, and appren-
tced hm-though only eight years Of age-to
an old farmer in North Carolina. The linden
lures stipulated that he was to have, besides
sufficient food and clothing, reasonable opportu-
mites for education; but Saunders, the yeoman,
thought this folly, and all that Bill learned was
in spite of his prejudces. There was little
daughter of the old farmer's-Mattie, blue
eyed child, with golden rIDglets and dimpled
face who took fancy TO instruct the young
alien that had come under her fathers roof. He
lea, ned to read and write, and soon became so
proficient in both, that he began,in turn, to teach
his tutor. y ,-e
This pleasant exchange of mutual kindness
continued till the children grew up, and M"tt'e
was blooming girl, unconsciousy bero'hed in
the spring time Of her life to the orphan youth
who had been perpe,ually by her side. The
farmer discovered this, and Immediately began
to punish Smith by series of petty and abomi-
nable prosecutions. He made him sleep in the
barn, OF, pile Of hay, with only one tattered
L and ,{T all
consultations Of young Mattie's love. He was
rich, and hated any one who appeared to aim at
being an heir to his fortune. He jealousy
watched his daughter, and tortured poor Bill by
every kind Of cruelty, till his behavior became
notorious, and some humane persons resolved tc
summon him before court Of justice for barbar
ity and neglect of duty.
Before this was known, however, the orphar
boy had formed plan of running away. He
made up his little bundle, and one night, creep
ing into Malte't room through the window, bade
her gentle good bye. He embraced her, ant
kissed her, and told her he would come back n
great man, and make her his wife ;and she said
l'll wait for you He ran all night along the
highway, and came next morning to the settle
, ment of Raleigh. There he lived for some time
He prowled about the kitchens of the gentry by
day, subssting on the scraps which some kind
hearted slaves bestowed on him, and when i
was dark crawled into some shed to sleep.
1t happened that judge Campbell-a yer,
humane man-was then presiding in the crcui
court. lie found Bill Smith one morning amons
his cattle and horses, half dead with hunger ant
cold. He took him into his house and fed him
clothed him, learned his story, and began t.
consider how his nhunan master might be pun
shed. Great was his delight when on lookin,
over the list of cases to be tried before him il
that circuit, the very first was Commonwealth
vs. Samuel Saunders, for ahdncting, numbering
or otherwise unlawfully making way with a
indentured male child, known by the name @
William Smith.
The trial came on. Judge Campbell compel
led The strictest scrutiny into the facts. Hi
charge to the jury was stern and dead agains
the accused. 1t sounded like sentence @
death. The prisoner stood pale and shiverine
Ills countenance was startled, cowed, and al
most hopeless. The winding up was near. A
felt the verdict must be "gulty."
Suddenly there was a commotlon in the cour
Carriage wheels we're heard 10 be rapidly near
ing the place The sheriff came in, and wit
him was the hoy still attenuated from sui
fering, but neatly clothed and with the bloom
life reviving on his cheek Old Saunders wa
carried from the dock in convulsions--bi shrek
being heard until The prison doors were close
upon him.
He was acquitted, but compelled 10 give secu
rity for the maintenance and education OF Bi
Smith till the age Of eighteen.
That was the first public scene in Bill Smith
career. The next was when, as an e.oquen
vivacious. bod young!lawyer, he pleaded his i'
cause at the bar. He gained it, and game
many after it, and gradually rose to great honor
wealth and prosperity. Matte beanie his wifi
and their home was blessed by sons and daugf
lers, ill, when the Declaration Of independents
was made, men knew no happier family iha
that Of William Smith, He was generous an