The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-06-05
The Tennessee Blacksmith.

Near the cross roads not far from
Cumberland Mountains, stood the vii.
lage forge. The smith was sturdy
man of fifty. He was respected where
ever known, for his stern integrity. He
served God, and did not fear man
and it might be added, the devil either.
His courage was proverbial in tie
neighborhoOd !; and it was a common
remark, whan wishing to pay any per.
son high compliment, to say, "He il
as brave as Old Bradley"
One night, towards the close of Sep
tember, as he stood alone by the anvil
plying his labors, his countcnance
svinced peculiar satisfaction, as he
brought his hammer down with Wig
erous stroke on the heated iron. While
blowing the bellows he would occa
siOnally pause and shake his head, as
if communicating with himself. He
was evidently meditating upon some
thing OF serious nature. 1t was dur.
ing one of those pauses that the door
was thrown open, and pale, trembling
figure staggered into the shop, and
sinking at the smiths feet, family ejac-
ulated:
"ln the name of Jesus protect me. "
As Bradley stopped to raise the pros.
trate form, three men entered, the fore.
most one exclaiming:
"We've treed him at last! There he
is! seize him! and as he spoke he
pointed out the crouching figure.
The others advanced to obey the or
der, but Bradley suddenly arose, seized
the sledge hammer, and brandishing il
about his head as if it were a sword,
exclaimed:
"Back! Touch him not; or by the
grace of God, I'll brain yet"
They hesitated and stepped back.
ward, not wishing to encounter the
sturdy smith, for his countenanee plain.
ly told them that he meant what he
said. e
'Do you give shelter 10 an abolition
ist ?" fiercely shouted the leader.
81 give shelter to weak, defenceless
man." replied the smith. <
"IIe is an enemy ~ vociferated the
leader.
"Of the devil" calculated Bradley.
"He is spy! an abolition hound 7"
exclaimed the leader, with increased
vehemence; "ard we must have him.
So l tell You, Bradley, you had better
not interfere. You know that you are
already suspected, aud if you insist
upon sbelteriDg him it will confirm il. !"
"Suspected! Suspected of what?"
exclaimed the smith, in firm tone, NV
citing his gaze upon the speaker. a8sl
"Why, of adhering to the North was
the reply. r,0d m
"Adhering to the North !" calculated
Bradley, as he cast his defiant glance
at the speaker, 81 adhear to no north ~
he continued; Il adhere to my
country-my whole country-and will
so help me God as long as / have
breath," he added, as he brought the
sledge hammer to the ground with
great force. a.. eas.r-e .ss.
'"Y on had better let MS have him,
Bradley, without further trouble. You
are only risking your own neck by your
interference. -
"Not SO long as live 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.
They hesitated moment, but the
firm demeanor of the smith awed them
into compliance with the order.
"You'll regret this in the morning,
Bradley" said the leader as he retreat
ed. ..s.s.. ..vs.4.f
&C.," was the reply of the smith, az
he pointed to the door,