The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1864-05-05
JOB PRINTING,
THE TENNESSEE BLACKSMITH.
a Thrilling Story of the War.

forge. The smith was sturdy man o
fifty. He was respected, wherever known
for his stern integrity. lie served God
and did not fear maa-and it might be
safely added, nor the devil either. Hi;
courtsgo was provcrbial in the neighbor
hood; and it was a common remark, wher
wishing to pay any person high compl
ment, to say: 'He is as brave as ole
Bradley" One night towards the close
of September. as he stood alone by the
anvil plying his labors, his countenanc(
evinced a peculiar satisfaction as be
brought his hammer down with gorge
Gus stroke on the heated iron. While
blowing the bellows lie would occasionally
pause and shake his head, as if commun,
inc with himself lie was evidentaly
meditating upon something of a serious
nature. 1t was during one Of these pau
scs that the door was thrown open and a
pale. trembling figure staggered into the
shop. and sinking at the smiths feet,
fa;ntly calculated:
ain the name of Jesus protect me?'
As Brady stooped to raise the pros
trate form. three men entered, the fore
most one exclaiming:
"We've treed him at last There he
is-scizc himw and as he spoke he poin-
ed 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 if it were a sword exclaimed :;
Back, Touch him not; or, by the
grace Of God, III brain yei'
They hesitated, and stepped backward,
not wishing to encounter the sturdy
smith for his countenancc plainly told
them that he meant what he said.
"Do you give shelter to an abolition
istr' ferccly shouted the leader
II give shelter to a weak, defenceless
man." replied the smith.
ale is an enemy"' vociferated the
leader.
"Of the devil" calculated Bradley.
'IIe is a spy! an abolitionist hound"
exclaimed the leader. with increased vc-
mence; "and we must have him. So |
tell YOU. Bradley, you had better not inter
ferc. You know you are already suspect
ed, and if you insist upon shelterlng him
it will confirm it.
~Sus-pcct cdt Suspected Of what?"
exclaimed the smith, in firm tone, riv-
citing his gaze upon the speaker.
"Why, adhering to the North" was
the reply. :,
"Adhcring to the North" calculated
Bradley, as he cast his defiant G lances at
the speaker. II adhere to no North =
he continued; ~ adhere to my country
my whole country-aud will, SO help
me God, as long as have breath" he
added. as he brought the sledge- hammer
to the ground with great force.
"You had better let us have him,
Bradley, without further trouble. You
are ouly risking your own neck by inter
ference"
"Not SO long as I have life to defend
him." was the answer. Then, pointing
towards the door, he continued, Leave
my shopw aud as he spoke he again
raised the sledge hammer.
They hesitated moment, but the firm
demeanor of the smith awcd them into
compliance with the order.
.,ionll regret this before morning,
Bradley" said the leader, as he retreat
ed.
"Go!" was the reply of the smith, as
he pointed toward the door.
bradley followed them menaeingly to
The entrance of the shop, and watched
them until they disappeared from sight
down the road. When he turned to 60
back into the shop, he was met by the
fugitive, who, grasplng his hand, ex-
claimed:
ooh! how shall [ ever be able to thank
you Mr.. Bradley?"
This is no time for thanks, Mr.. Peters.
unless il is to the Lord; you must fly the
country, and that at once"
eBut my wife and children?"
"Mattie and | will attend TO them
But you must go tonight"
"To-night !"
ayes. In the morning, if not sooner,
tbey will return with large force and
carry YOU of, and probably hang you on
tbe first tree. You must leave tonight.
nBut howl"
nMattie will conduct you to the rem
devious of our friends. There is party
made nm who intend to cross the noun
tains and join the Union force in Ken
lucky. They were to start Tonight
They have provisions for the journey
and will gladly share with you.
AT this moment young girl entered
the shop and hurriedly said:
@Father. what is the trouble tonight? 2
Her eve resting upon the fugitive, she
approached him, and, in sympathlzilng
tone continued: "Ah, Mr.. Peters, has
your turn come so soon
This was Matte. She was hne rosy
checked girl, Just past her eighteenth pif'H