The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1864-04-07
THE
TENNESSEE BLACKSMITH.
A ThrIlling Story Of Tho War.

man of fifty. He was respected where.
ever known for his stern integrity, He
served God-aud did not fear mun-and
itmight be safely added, nor the devil
either. His courage was proverbial in
the neighborhood, and it was common
remark, when wishing to pay any per.
son a high compliment, TO say,-'He is
as brave ss old Bradley One night
towards the close Of September, as he
stood alone by the anvil plying his a.
bols, his countenance eyiuced 4 peculiar
satisfaction, as he brought bis hammer
down with a gorgeous stroke on the
heated iron. While blowing the bellows
ne would occasionally pause and shake
his head, as Il continuing with himself.
lie was evidently medilating upon some.
ihing ofa serious nature. 1t was du
ring one of these pauses that tho door
was thrown open and a pale, trembling
figure, staggered into the shop, and
sinking at The smiths feet, family ejac
Slated:
'1n the name Of Jesus, protect me?'
As Bradley stopped to raise the pros
trate form, three men entered, the fore
most one, exclaiming:
We've freed him at lastl There he is
seize him. and as he spoke he pointed
TO the crouching figure.
The other advanced 10 obey the or
der, but Bradley suddenly arose, seized
the sIedge. e.hammer, and brandishing it
about his head as If it we're o sword,
exclaimed:
Back Touch him not; or, by the
grace of God, III brain ye'
They hesitated, and stepped back
ward, not wishing 10 encounter the
sturdy smith, for his couutenancc plain
ly told them othe meant what he said.
DO you give shelter 10 an abolition
isl?' fiercely shouted the leader.
4 give shelter to a weak, dcIenceless
mHn, replied the smith,
He is an enemy!' yOcifcralel the lea
der.
'orthe devil = calculated Bradley,
'Ho is q apyl an abolilionist hound !
exclaimed the leader with increased ye.
hemence; and we must have him, So !
tell you Bradley, you had better not in
terfere. You know you are already
suspected, ant if you insist upon shell.
teting him il will conirpl H..
= sSIspocted! Suspected Of WhatE e1-
claimed the smith, in a firm tone, ri.i-
ting his gaze upon the speaker.
why, adhoreing to the North, was
the rcp'y,
'Adhcring TO the North, calculated
Bradley, as he cast his defiant glnnces at
the speaker. Il adhere to the Norihl'
he continued: Il adhere to my country
my whole coun,ry- and will, SO help
me God! as long as l have breath, he
added, as lie brought the sIedge hOm-
mer to the ground with great force.
You had better let us have him,
Bradley, without further trouble. You
are only risking your own neck by
your Interference
Not go long as have lille to defend
him. was the answer. Then pointing
towards the door he continued, leave
my shopl' and as he spoke he again
raised the sledge .hamme
They hesitaled moment, but the
firm demeanor Of the smith awed them
into compliance with the order.
You'll regret this morning, Bradley,
said the leader as he retrcated.
Col was the reply of the smith, as
he pointed toward the door.
Bradley followed them menaciugly TO
the entrance Of the shop, and watched
them until they disappeared from sight
down the road, When he turned to so
bock into the shop, ho was met by the
fugitive, who, grasping his hand, ex-
claimed:
'Oh! how shall I ever be abe to
thank you, Mr.. Bradley%
This is no time for thanks. Mr.. Pc.
ters, unless it is to the Lord; you must
fly the country, and at ouce'
'But my wife and childrenl'
Matte and l will attend to them,--
But you must go to nightP .H
Tonight
Yes. In the morning, il not sooner,
they will return and carry you off, and
probably hang YOU on the first tree
You must leave to night?
But how%
Matte will conduct you 10 the rem
devious of our friends. There is par
ty made up who intend to cross the
mountains and join the Union force in
Kentucky. They were TO start tonight.
They have provisions for the journey,
and will gladly share with you.
AT this moment a Young girl entered
the shop aud hurriedy said:
Father, what the trouble onight?
Her eye resting upon the fugitive. she
approached him, und, in q sympatbising
tone continued: 'Ah, Mr.. Peters, has