The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

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were both equally severn towards them
would stint them shamcfally for clothing
and food, though they did not get logged
quite 30 often as some Others on neighboring
plantations. Frequently, the Governor
would be out on the plantation from early
IN the morning till noon, inspecting the OPP
Grafton Of his oversees and slaves.
must now pass over to q third adventur-
er. The one to whom allude is young
man, 20 years of age, by the name of"Jn
who aed from near Charleston, 5. c. TAX
all the facts and circumstances in considera-
ton respecting the gorgeous career of this
succsssful adventurer for freedom, his case
is by far more thrilling and interesting than
any I have yet referred to. Indeed, for the
good Of the cause, and the honor Of him
who won his liberty by perilling his life 80
frequently by being shot several times by
making six unsuccessful attempts to escape
from the far South; by being numberless
times chased by bloodhound; by being cap
tured, imprisoned and sold repeatedly; by
living for months in the woods, swamps and
caves, subsisting mainly on parched corn
and berries, &C., &C., his narrative ought by
all means be published to the world, though
| doubt very much whether many could be
found who could persuade themselves to DO
lievc one-tenth part Of this marvellous
story.
Though this poor fugitive was utterly
Ignorant Of letters his natural good sense
and keen perception qualified him to attract
the ear and interest the heart in a most re-
markable degree.
His master finding him not available, on
account Of his absconding propensities,
would readily offer him for sale. le was
once taken to Florida for that purpose but,
generally, traders being widcawake on in
specting him, would almost invariably pro-
nounce him d-n rascal /" because he
would never fail to view them, sternly, rs
they inspected him. The obcdient and sub
missive slave, is always recognized by hang
ing his head and looking towards the ground
when being loOded at by a STAKEHOLDER
This Lesson JIM has never learned, hence he
was not to be trusted.
His head and chest, and indeed his entire
structure, as solid as rock, indicated that
he was physically no ordinary man; and
not being under the influence of the spirit
of " nOn-resistancc, occasionally he had
been found to be very formidable custom
Ter.
His father was n full-blOOded Indian,
brother to the noted Indian Chief, BILLY
Bow1cs his mother was quite black and
Of unmixed blood. ..-.
For FIVE or six years, tho greater part Of
Jn's time had been occupied in trying to
escape, and in being kept in prison for sale,
and to punish him for running away, and so
forth.
His mechanical genius was excellent, so
was his geographical abilities. He could
make shoes or do carpenters work very
handily, though he never had any chance to
learn. As to travelling, by night or day,
ne was always at home, and having an I'M
common memory, could give exceedingly in
tercsting accounts of what he saw, DC.
When he would enter swamp, and would
have occasion to take sleep, he would first
take n philosophical view Of the posture he
must lay, so If come upon Unexpectedly by
the hounds and slave hunters, he would
know in an instant which way to steer to
detect them. He always carried a liquid,
which he had prepared, to prevent hounds
from seenting him, which he said has never
failed. Assoon as the hounds came up TO
the place where he had rubbed his legs and
feet with such liquid, they could follow him
no further, but would howl and turn back
Immediately.
Quite large number of the friends Of the
slave saw this nOble-hearted fugitive, and
would sit long and listen with the most un-
divided attention to his narrative none
doubling for moment, think, the entire
,ruthfulncss of his story. As remarkable
Is was his story, there was 30 much natural
simplicity about his manner, and in his
countcnancc, one could not refrain from
Believing him,
Others have in my mind of whom l
would like to make mention but have
already wrote much more than Ihad intend
d, and 50 must now close. In few words
let me say that the Underground Railroad
ause is incrcasiug. Friends are being null
'iplied ON every hand and the shareholders,
,e,ins this state of things, are perfectly fu-
rious, from "Dan to Beershcba."