The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-11-16
A REMARKABLE NARRATIVE.

A few nights since there passed through
this city, on the railroad, bound for Canada,
a family OF eight fugitive slaves. one o.
these-,hc leading spirit Of the whole-was
woman sixty years Of age, a bold, cour-
ageous, prompt and energetic woman.-
Two years ago she was living as n slave in
the South. She was the mother of six chill
diem, all OF whom sac had seen Torn rom
her arms when old enough 10 be useful, and
sold away from her. Ode day she over
heard her master bargaining with n soul
driver, who desired 10 purchase, for the far
South, her grandson, boy OF some fifteen
years old. S,ung TO The quick by tins de-
sign Of stripping her OF the last OF her kin
bred, she Instantly resolved on flight.
Tha, same night she started with her boy
for the North. Night after night they trav-
eled by the North star-lhe only guide the
hapless fugitive knows in making for the
land OF Freedom, and one that deceives him
not, since il is fixed in the Heavens. After
long and painful wanderings they arrived IN
Canada.
Here this heroic woman hired herself at
wages. Two months ago, with purse well
filled, she started back 10 tho residence Of
her old master at the South. Here, alone,
she concealed herselfin woods and thickeis,
a fugitive OF Freedom-cared for, however,
by the few ,rus,y souls 10 whom she reveal
ed the dangerous secret oil her presence in
The land OF bondage. Alter remaining
there some two weeks, she collected seven
of her children and grandchildren, and start.
ed with them for the North. Long and slow
and anxious was their journey. The same
unerring star shone faithfully from above
upon their midnigh, pathway. By day they
lay by, concealed among the lhickets OF the
country, through which they made bee
line for the North. No toll discouraged, no
danger dsmayed this heroic woman. Many
times the patty suffered TO the verge OF s,arv-
alton. She chlered them onward - she
was their only "guide, their counsellor
and friend"
Worn down with the hardships OF this
perilous journey, with garments torn TO
shreds and hullering in the breeze; with
shoes worn into fragments without hats or
bonne,s, this heroine conducted her party 10
the house OF fiend. Word was immedi-
ately passed around among some OF the
good souls who dwell there as the sal, Of
the earth, that eight fugives were conceal
cd in garTet, amt destitute Of the means
of further progress. The word was follow.
ed by the deed. All necessary means were
Instantly provided for their safe TRANSMISSION
TO the North, and the train which passed
through this city on The same night, carried
the whole party toward the home Of their
leader, in Canada, where they have by this
time undoubtedly arrived. We doubt il a
similar instance OF devotion 10 friends and
and kindred is on record. Il required a
daring mind to even conceive the idea Of
going back to the scene of bondage, and
encouniering the hazard Of discovery in The
lions den. Blu, nothing short Of tina, hero
ism which under Other circumstances has
made men immortal, was needed 10 put
into execution an enterprise so full Of diff
Guilty and danger. Such spirits, il any, moi
only deserve TO be free, but are fitted 10 ELL
Joy the larges, liberty.-Iren'on State Ga
sGte.