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

Wiling 10 HghJ lor yours Ay! ngnt
to the death p
"I's fight for you any time, massa
John"
81 believe you, Joe. But / have
desparate work on hand tonight, and /
do not want you to engage with me in
it without prospect of reward. If /
sncceed, l will make you, free man.
1t is matter of life and death-will
you go?'' 9fna
81 will, massa." a44 -.9
"Then kneel down and swear before
the ever living God, that if you falter
or swerve the danger, you may be here
after consigned to everlasting firel'
81 swear, Massa," said the negro,
kneeling, San hope that Cor Almiyh-
ty may strike me dead if don't go
wild you through fire and water and
eberyting."
81 am satisfied, Joe," said the mas
ter. E9
Then turning to the young girl, who
had been mute spectator of this singu.
lar scene, he continued
Snow, Matte, you get in the wagon
and I'll drive down to the parsonage,
and you remain there with Mrs. Peters
and the children until | bring you some
intelligence of your father"
While the sturdy old blacksmith was
awaiting the return of his daughter,
the party that he had repulsed returned
with increased numbers and demanded
the minister. A fierce quarrel ensued,
which resulted in their seizing the
smith and carrying him off. They
distant from the shop, and there he was
arraigned before what was termed vigi-
lance committee. The committee met
in long room on the ground floor
dimly lighted by lamp which stood
upon a small table in front Of the chair
man.
In about half an hour after Bradley's
arrival, he was placed before The chair
man for examination. The old mans
arms were pinioned, but nevertheless,
he cast defiant look upon those
around him. ....e
'Mr. Bradley, this is grave charge
against yon. What have you to say?''
said the chairman. .a ....
"What authority have yen to ask p
demanded the smith, fiercely eyeing
his interrogation. sa
"The authority of the people Of
Tennessee" was the reply.
81 deny it,"
"Your denia!s amount to nothing.
You are accused of harboring sn aboli-
ZIONIST, and the penalty of that act you
know is death. What have you to say
to the charge?''
81 say that it is lie, and that ne who
ntters such charges against me is a
"Simpson," said the chairman to the
leader of the band that had captured
Bradley, and who now appeared with
a large bandage about his head, to
bind up a wound which was the result
of blow from the fist of Bradley
Simpson continued the chairman,
''What have you to say ?"
The leader then stated that he had
tracked the preacher to the blacksmith
shop, and that Bradley had resisted his
arrest, and that npon their return he
could not be found, and that the prison
er refused to give any information con-
cerning him.
'.Do you hear that, Mr.. Bradley ?"
said the chairman. rr
81 do. What Of it?" was the reply.
"Is it true?'
eyes"
"Where is the preacher ?"
"That is none of your business.
"Mr. Bradley this tribunal is not to
be insulted with impunity. | again
demand to know where Mr.. Peters is.
Will you tell ?"
"No."
"Mr. Bradley, it is we'll known that
you are not only member but an ex-
horter in Mr.. Peters church, and
therefore some little excuse is to be
made for your zeal in defending him.
He is from the North, and has long
been suspected and is now accused of
being an abolitionist and dangerous
man. You do not deny sheltering him,
and refusing to give him up. If you
presist iu this you must take the con-
sequences. | ask you for the last time
f you will inform us of his where
abOuts 2"
"And again ]. answer no."
Mr., Bradley, there is also another
serious charge against you, and your
conduct i'm this instance confirms it.
ou are accused of giving comfort to
he enemies of your country. What
rave you to say to that?" 1870.
"I say it is false, and that he who
makes it is villain" pa
81 accuse him with being traitor,
.iding the cause of the Unions" said
Simpson" beef,a IL,
eff my adherence to the Union
merits for me the name of traitor, then
[ am proud of it. have been for the
Union-I am still for the Unipn-and
will be for the Union as long as my life
asts ~
At this the chairman clutched a pis-
,ol that lay upon the table before him,
md the bright blade of Simpsons bowie
knife glittered near Bradley's breast,
bnt before he he could make the fatal
plunge. swift winged messenger OF
Heath laid him dead at the feet of his
intended victim; while at The same in
slant another plunged into the heart
Of the chairman, and he fell forward