The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-01-31

the negroes and abuse the Yankees; but not
untrequently they come off second best in those
valiant engagements, when, instead of passive
obedience and non-resistance, they encounter,
contrary to expectation, blow for blow. Re-
Gently, strapping overseer, in strolling through
the whlte-oak swamp, accidentally stumbled
upon a runaway, asleep. He proceeded, with
a countenance beaming with delight, to arouse
him, telling him he must accompany him to his
master. To this the slave demurred but the
overseer, seizing him by the collar, dragged
him forward. They had not proceeded far, be-
fore it became necessary to cross ditch, which
was rather wide for an ordinary step; and being
unwilling to let go his hold, he directed the
negro to make spring simultaneously with
himself, so that they might alight together on
the opposite side. Sambo promising compli-
ance, the overseer gave the word, and with it
made the necessary effort; but Sambo adroitly
squatted, and drew himself adversely. The
consequence was, that the overseer, losing his
equilibrium, finds himself PROSTATE in the bot
tom of the ditch. Indignant that Sambo should
outwit him, he attempts to rise; but Sambo,
thinking now or never, gave him a severe blow
on the temple and followed up the work so
briskly, that the unlucky fellow begged an arm
istice, promising to let Sambo alone, if he
would let him alone. To this Sambo agreed,
and vanished. p.
FROM A NEW YORK DEMOCRAT
JERUSALEM, N. Y, Dec. 25, 1855.
To the Editor of the National Era:
We have Just made up club Of thirteen for
the Era, which, with the money, will be for
warde1 by mail tomorrow. We feel deep
interest In the cause which you so ably advo
cate.
The writer of this though young, has long
wished to see manly struggle, on the part of
the lovers of Freedom, to wrest the Govern
ment from the Slavery Propagsndists and their
minions.
Ny family were among those who resisted
tyranny in the days Of the Revolution and the
tales they were wont to tell of British arrogance
and cruelty, and Hessian insolence and brutal
ity, made me, from the earliest period Of my
memory, Republican. My grandfather was a
warm partisan of Jefferson. Leggett's PLAIN
deater was one of the first newspapers that in
terested me. The writings of those two great
men fixed in my mind the Democratic idea.
Hostility to every species of oppression :"
the wisdom of trusting the affairs of Govern
ment to all, instead of a privileged few; a
strict construction of the Constitution the re-
moval of all letters upon trade all local affairs
to be regulated, far as possible, by those
early notions of Democracy.
The party which adopted the most of the
above sentiments met with my sympathy. The
Working Mems Party" the old time Locofo-
cos of Tammany, as opposed to the Conserva-
tive Democracy and Wing parties the Radicals
OF 1871, and up to 1876; the Barnburners of
l847-were all sustained by me and the glo-
rious Free-Soilers of lS48, with their Buffalo
platform, at last realized my ideal of Demo-
cratic party based upon correct principles.
The union of the two factions in l849 dis
approved of, but reluctantly acquiesced in saw
with sorrow one by one the planks of the Free
platform knocked from under us; preferred
Pierce with his strict-construction professions,
to Scott, with his associations and ambiguous
position, and gave the former my lukewarm
support. Time has unmasked the traitor !
False to every good profession, true only to the
evil. fallen below even infamy--such now is
Franklin Pierce. With the Free Soil organi
cation of 1913 scattered to the winds-but be-
lieving it right and called for then, and doubly
called for now-some of us are determined to
make stand. We are hoping, and yet fearing,
in regard to the election of Speaker. The eye
of the nation is on our Representatives. Nav
they continue to stand firm. Our object in
getting up the club is to interest and prepare
rs many minds possible for the great con-
test next year. We shall want some Facts for
the People, and you will probably hear from us
again. | have written on two separate pages,
and you are at liberty to make such use of the
matter as you may think proper. l always feel
rs If i wanted to become acquainted with ali
editor who commands my respect.
Yours, faithfully, but not over sanguine for
the cause. EDWARD III. SEAMAN.