The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-01-08
A Contraband Incident.

Down in Kentucky, in the region OF
Muldraugh's Hill, lived an ardent Union
ist named M'Kinley, formerly resident
of this county, and BOW staying, TOR the
time being, among his relatives north
east of Bucyrus.
When General Buckner with his horde
of outlaws invaded that part of Kentucky,
Nj Kinley was doomed man. He bad
been plain and outspoken in his Union
ism, and had made efforts to rally the
Union men of his neighborhood, and aid
the Government in beating back the in
yaders. No sooner had Buckner's forces
taken possession of the country than the
burning, hanging, waste and desolation
that have followed secession commenced.
N Kinley was among the first victims.
His house and barns were burned, his
crops destroyed, his valuables seized, and
his negroes impressed into the rebel Ser
vice, he escaping barely with his life.
Among his negroes was one for whoui
he felt a particular interest-a stalwart,
full blooded negro, enumerated IN his
schedule Of property as John" John
had been raised on the plantation, was
extremely intelligent, and was faithful
and honest. Three years ago he marrieu
a quadroon belonging to neighhoring
planter, and his master, to show his re-
spect for his faithful property, purchased
her. Two children were born to them.
and they had lived as happily as is posi-
bic for Intelligent beings in state of
servitude. When his master fed, he
urged John to accompany him, but tie
faithful fellow refused. He would stay.
and endeavor TO save something from the
wreck, and so far as in his power, to keep
matters IN some sort of shape. For Sc
curity he occupied cabin in forest
some distance from the former quarters.
One day about six weeks ago, he was
returning from tour over the plantation !;
while yet some distance fren his cabin,
he was startled by loud screams in tho
direction of his cabin. Apprehendins
evil, he sprang forward with lightning
speed, and in few moments was in his
dwelling.
As he entered at one door, a brawny
scoundrel escaped from the other. His
wife lay upon the foer, half crazed, ana
the broken furniture showed that de>-
perate struggle had taken place in the
room. A few words explained it all. A
scouting party of the secession army had
entered the house, violated her person,
destroyed what little property the house
contained, and fed. Knowing the road
they must take to reach their camp, he
took shorter route and saw them pass.
lie knew them all. They were residents
of the neighborhood, ten in number, and
the very men who had been instrumental
in bringing the vengeance of the rebels
upon his master
The next day he took his family to the
Federal camp, sought out Colonel Glib
sons regiment, and to his great joy found
in it company Captain kellers) from
the county that his master was in. Cap
tain *. and his company made the nee
essary arrangements, and sent the family
to their owner at Bucyrus.
Captain Keller furnished him with
arms and provisions, and John returned
alone, to work out his own vengeance in
his own way. He hung around the rebel
camp, night and day, and watched, lynx
eyed, their outgoings and incomines.
Every day he had opportunities of shoot.
ing rebel soldiers, but he had his game,
and would touch nothing less. Finally
he shot one, picking him off as he sat at
the camp fire. Another and another
were killed, until five of the ten slept
their last sleep. Then two of them,
scouting in company, were met, and both
killed, one shot, and the other in a des.
perate hand to hand encounter. The re-
naming three, stricken with fear, kept
close in camp, but to no purpose. One
was stabbed III his tent, another struck
down while on guard, and the last was
shot in day light almost in the middle OF
the camp. Terrible was the crime, and
terribly was it avenged
John is now with Colonel Gibson's reg
lment, employed as scout, and a more
valuable man is not in the service. His
family ave being well cared for here
B~cyrus (O) yournoi
Will negro fight for his freedom?
MODERN DEFINITIoNs.-Ove
To leave your old umbrella in a news