Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1862-06-05
Ghoife stlistellanp,
From llarpers' Weekly.
The Tennessee Blacksmith,

Near the cross roads, not far from the
Cumberland Mountains, stood the village
forge. The smith was sturdy man Of fifty.
lie was respected, wherever known, for his
stern integrity. He served God, and did not
fear man-and it may be safely added, nor
devil either. His courage was proverbial
In the neighborhood; and it was common
remark, when wishing to pay any person
high compliment, to say, "He is as brave
as old Bradley" One night, toward the
close of September, as he stood alone by the
anvil plying his labors. his countenancc
evinced peculiar satisfaction as he brought
his hammer down with vigorous stroke on
the heated iron. While blowing the bellows
he would occasionally pause and shake his
head as if communing with himself. He
was evidently meditating upon something
OF a serious nature. 1t was during one of
these pauses that the door was thrown open,
and pale, trembling f::ure staggered into
the shop and sinking at the smith feet, ex-
claimed:
I'm the name of Jesus, protect me ~
As Bradley stopped to raise the PROSTATE
form. three men entered, the foremost ex-
claiming,
We've treed him at last There he is |!
seize him = and as ha spoke no pe;ntod AT
the crouching figure.
The others advanced to obey the order !;
but Bradley suddenly arose, seized the sledge
hammer, and brandishing it about his head
as It Il were a sword, exclaimed,
Back Touch him not, or, by the grace
OF God, I'll brain ye -
They hesitated, and stepped back, not
wishing to encounter the sturdy smith, for
his countenance told them plainly that he
meant what he said
DO you give shelter to an abolitionist ?"
fiercely shouted the leader.
II give shelter to weak, defenceless
man, replied the smith.
He is an enomy," vociferated the leader.
'Of the devil p calculated Bradley.
HE is a spy! an abolition hound !" ex-
claimed the leader, with increased vehe-
mence "and we must have him. SO tell
you, Bradley, you had better not interfere.
You know that you are already suspected,
and IT you insist upon sheltering him it will
confirm it. -r +H
Supecte1k Suspected of what?" ask
ed the smith, in firm tone, riveting his
gaze upon the speaker.
why, of adhering to the North, F" was
the reply.
"Adhering to the North!'' calculated
Bradley, as he cast his defiant glances at the
speaker. 81 adhere to no North !" he con-
tinued, 81 adhere to my country--my whole
country--and will, so help me God, as long
as have breath u he added, as he brought
the sledge hammer 10 the ground with great
force. l hsa-ia' .aD eit.
You had better let us have him, Brad
ley, without further trouble. You are only
risking your own safety by your interfer-
ence." tf l Hii
mot as long as l have life to defend
him, was the answer. Then pointing to-
ward the door, he continued, 'Leave my
shop and as he spoke, he again raised
the sledge hammer. hl 9
They hesitated moment, but the firm
demeanOr of the smith awed them into COM
pliance with the order
"You' Il regret this in the morning, Brad
ley" said the leader, as he retreated.
"GoW was the reply Of the smith as he
pointed toward the door. .lMpt
Bradley followed them menacingly to the
entrance of the shop, and watched them
until they disappeared from sight down the
road. When he turned to go back in the
shop he was met by tho fugitive, who,
grasping his hand, exclaimed, t7f
"Oh how shall ever be able to thank
you, Mr.. Bradley?''
'!rhis is no time for thanks, Mr.. Peters
unless it Is to the Lord you must fly the
country, and that at once I"
''But my wife and children2 p
"Mattie and l will attend to them. But
you must 60 tonight" ,yWaE ia4f
'"To-night?"
eyes. In the morning, If not sooner,
they will return with large force and carry
you of, and probably hang you on the first