The Lansing state Republican., 1862-05-21
THE TENNESSEE BLACKSMITH.

smith was sturdy man of 6fty. He was re-
spected, wherever known, for his stern integrity
He served God. and did not fear man-and it
might be added, the devil either. His courage
vas proverbial in the neighborhood; and il was
q common remark, when wishing to pay any per.
son . 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
countenance evinced q peculiar satisfaction, as
be brought his hammer down with q vigorous
stroke on the heated iron. While blowing the
bellows he would occasionally pause and shake
his head, AS if communing with himselef He
Was evidently meditating upon something Of q
serious nature. 1t was during one Of these
pauses that the door was thrown open, aud .
pale, trembling figure staggered into the shop,
and sinking at the smiths feet, family ejacula.
ted:
'In the name of Jesns, protect mel"
As Bradley stopped to raise the PROSTATE
form, three men entered, the foremost one ex
claiming:
We've treed him at last! There be is seize
him !" and az he spoke he pointed at the crouch.
ing figure.
The others advanced to obey the order, but
Bradley suddenly arose, seized the sledge ham
mer, and brandishing it about his head - if it
we're sword, exclaimed:
Back Touch him not; or by the grace of
God, I'll brain YET"
| They hesitated and stepped backward, not
wishing to encounter the sturdy smith, for bis
countt nance plainly told the that he meant
what he said.
"Do you give shelter TO an abolitionist ?"
ferceIy shouted the leader.
81 give shelter to a weak, defenceless man,
replied the smith.
"He is an enemy!" vociferated the leader.
''Of the devil" calculated Bradley.
"He is aspy! an abolition hound!" exclaimed
| the leader, with increased vehemence; land We
must have him. So I tell you, Bradley, you had
better not interfere. You know that you are
already suspected, and if you insist upon shsl
tering him it will confirm it."
Suspected! Suspected Of what ?" exclaimed
the smith, in q 6rm tone, rive ting his gaze upon
the speaker.
why, of adhering to the NORTH" was the
reply.
.'Adhering to the North ~ calculated Bradley
- he cast his defiant glance at the speaker, 81
adhere to no north!" be continued II adhere
to my ceuntry-my whole country-and will, %
help me God! a. long as have BREATH" he ad
ded. as he brought the sledge hammer to the
ground with great force.
without further trouble. You are only riskins
your own necK Dy your interference.
mot as long - have life to defend him,
was the answer Then pointing toward tn,
door, he continued, leave my shop II and q.
be spoke be again raised the sledgs hammer.
They hesitated q moment, but the firm de
meanor of the smith awed them into cemplianc,
. With the order.
''Youll regret this in the morning. Bradley
said the leader. as he retreated.
! ,Gs," was the reply Of the smith, as he poin,
ed toward the door.
Bradley followed them nenaciousy to the en-
trance Of the shop, and watched them until the
disappeared from sight down the road. Whe
/ he turned to 60 back in the shop. he was me
BY the fugitive. who, grasping his hand, exclaim
ed:
"Oh! how shall ever be able to thank you
Mr.. Bradley!'
. 'Ths is no time for thanks. Mr. Peters, unles
. it is to the Lsrd you must fly the country, an
. that at ence."
"But my wife and children"
r "Msttie and win attend to them. But 20
|. must 60 Tonight"
D Tonight"
. "Yes In the morning, if not sooner, the
, will return With large force and carry you OF
. aad probably hang you on the 6rst tre,
You must leave tonight"
, "But how"
a "Mattie will conduct you to the rendezvous
|. our friends- There is party made up Who il
. tend to cross the mountains and Join the Unie
!. forces in Kentucky They we're to start to. nigh
e They nave provisions for the journey, and VI
). gladly share With you"
o At this moment young girl opened the .ho
II and hurriedly said,
II Father, what is the trouble so-nieht!"
d Her eye resting upon the fugitive, she a
,e preached him, and in q sympathizing ftone, co
n tnued,
!. "Ah, Mr.. Peters. has your turn come
y sson!"
:. This was Matte. She vas 6ae, rosy 81
Y passed her eighteenth birthday, and the %
il daughter Of Bradey's house and heart. 8
p Vas his al-his vile had been dead Eve yea
Hs tarned toward her, and in mild but 6I
tone, said:
"Nastie. you must condact Mr.. Peters to 4
rendezvous Immediately; then return, and
will can At the parsonage TO cheer his fani
'. Quick? No time 10 to be lost The bloodhoaa
ur are on the track. Thsy have scented their pr
a and viii not rest until they have secured hi
e, They may return much sooner than We expe
b So, haste, daughter, and God bless yol."
&c This ~as not the 6ret tine that Matte
~ been called upon to perform ssch An ofies. 6
had safely conducted several Union nen, y
ID had been hunted from their homes asd sous
re shelter with her father, to the place desigaat1
- froa whence they made their escape acress I
~ mountains into Kentucky. Turning 70 the fu
Or tive, she said:
- ''cons, NJ: Peter. do not stand upon ee
be moay, but follow me-"
at She Left the shop, and proceeded bat Oh
6istanee up Tie road, and TUNED s4n by-pa