The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-04-28
TRae Tennessee Blacksmith,

Near the crossroads, not far from the
Cumberland mountains stood the village
forge. The Smith was sturdy man OF t1t-
ty. He was respected, wherever known,
for his stern integrity. He served God, and
did not fear man-and, it might be safely
added nor the devil either His courage was
proverbial in the neighborhood; and it was
a common remark, when wishing to pay any
person 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
vocation" his countenance evinced a pecu-
liar satisfaction as he brought his hammer
down with gorgeous stroke on the heated
iron. While blowing the bellows he would
occasionally pause and shake his head, as ii
cornmuning with himself. He was evident
ly meditating upon serious nature. 1t was
during one of these pauses that the door
was thrown open, and pale, trembling fig
ure staggered into the shop, and, sinking at
the Smiths feet, family calculated:
I'm the name of Jesus, protect me !"
As Bradley stopped to raise the PROSTATE
form, three men eptered-the foremost one
exclaiming:
"We've freed him at last! There he is
seize him!'
And,as he spoke, he pointed at the crouch
ing figure.
The others advanced to obey the order
but Bradley suddenly arose, sliced the
sledge-hammer, and brandishing it about his
head as if it were sword, exclaimed:
sBack! Touch him not, or by the grace
of God, I'll brain yep
l. Jc+x I, o,.J ,oi
wishing to encounter the sturdy smith, fol
his countenance plainly told them that be
meant what he said.
do you give shelter to an abolitionist p
ferceIy shouted the leader.
81 give shelter to weak and defenceless
man." replied the smith.
''He is an enemy" vociferated the leader
',Of the DEVIL" calculated Bradley.
''He is spy! an abolitionist hound
exclaimed the leader, with increased vehe-
mence: 'tand we must have him. So / tell
you, Bradley, you had better not interfere.
You know that you are already suspected,
and to insist on sheltering him will certainly
confirm it."
''SuS pee ted! Suspected of of what ?" ex-
claimed the smith, riveting his eyes upon
the speaker. -*.
''Why, of adhering to the North, was the
',Adhering to the North !" calculated
Bradley, us he cast his defiant chances at the
speaker 4 adhere to no North! he continued;
Il adhere tony country-my whole country
and will do so, so help me God as long
as | have BREATH" he added, as he brought
the ponderous sledge hammer to the ground
with great force.
you had much better let us have him,
Bradley, without any further trouble. You
are only risking yor own life by your inter
ference"
'Not so long as l have life to defend him.
was the answer. Them, pointing towards
the door, he continued: 'Leave my shop y
and as he spoke he again raised the sledge-
hammer.
They hesitated a moment; but the firm
demeanor of the smith awed them into com
pliance with the order.
you'll regret this in the morning, Brad
ley" said the leader, as he retreated.
Go! was the reply Of the smith, as he
pointed toward the door,
Bradley followed them menacinglv to the
entrance Of the shop, and watched them un
til they disappeared from sight down the
road When he turned to 90 back into the
shop he was met by the fugitive, who, grasp
ing his hand exclaimed
'Oh ! how shall l ever be able to thank
you, Mr.. Bradley"
''This is no time for thanks, Mr.. Peters
unless it is to the Lord: you must fly the
country, and that at once!"
''But my wife and children ?"
''Mattie and | will attend to them bu
you must go tonight"
''To-nigAt?"
eyes. In the morning-if not sooner
they will return with a large force and car
ry you off, and probably hang you on tn,
first tree. You must leave tonight
But how ?"
''Nattie will conduct to you the rendez
vous of our friends There is already party
made up who intend to cross the mountain,
and join the Union forces in Kentucky. They
were to start to night. They have provision
for the journey, and will gladly share will
YOU"
At this moment young girl entered th
shop, and hurriedly said.
| sDear father, what is the trouble tonight?
Her eye resting upon the fugitive, she ap
preached him, and, in spmpathizing ton
continues: ''Ah, Mr.. Peters, has your turl
come, then, so soon ?"
This was Matte. She was a fine rosy gil
just past her eighteenth birthday, and tn
sole daughter of Bradey's home and heart
She was bis all-his wife had been dead fly
years be turned towards her, and in
mild but firm tone said:
'Mattie, you must conduct Mr.. Peters t
| the rendezvous immediately-then we wi
call at the parsonage to cheer his famii