New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-11-30

To the Editor of the Philadelphia Press.

To the Editor of the Philadelphia Press:
STR: In several of your very interesting
Anecdotes of Public Men," you have made
mention of work in course of preparation by
Mr. William Still, of Philadelphia, entitled
the :" Underground Railroad" May be per-
United to state that Mr.. Stills work will be
incomplete if it does not recognize the services
rendered to the oppressed negro during the
days of chiyalry by the late James Leslie,
Esq. for many years the cashier of the Cham
bersburg BaLk? There was not more con
scientious or more fearless Abolitionist in
the State of Pennsylvania, and We question
whether there was one anywhere who rendered
more moral or substantial aid to negroes gro
ping their way from bondage to freedom than
the deceased. Daring his residence in Cham
bersburg, for nearly twenty years. his house
was refuge for scores and hundreds of fugi-
tive slaves, and none ever went from it empty
handed.
The writer hereof was but boy when Mr..
Leslie was u citizen of Chamber sburg, but he
has distinct recollection of an incident that
occurred there some fifteen or more years ago
A negro who had succeeded in escaping from
his master in Maryland called late one bitter
cold night at the residence Of Mr.. Leslie and
begged for something to eat. The poor fellow
was almost naked and famisbed, and Mr. Leslie
not only took him into his house and fed him,
but clothed him in a suit of clothes from his
own wardrobe. lie kept the negro several
nights under his roof, when, an opportunity
presenting itself, he con6ded his guest to the
underground raildroad. Before three days
had elapsed the negro was captured and brought
back to Chambersburg, where he was given a
" hearing before a justice of the peace The
occasion attracted large number Of persons
to the Justices Office, and among the specta-
tors was James Leslie. The clothes in which
the prisoner was clad were recognized as a
suit woIa by Mr.. Leslie, and both loud and
deep were the curses which the discovery called
forth from the accused negro catchers and the
servlle creatures of the slave power.
despicable, mean creature, who had eff
iected the capture of the runaway slave, turned
scorniully upon Mr.. Leslie and charged him
with helping the negro to escape from bis mas
ter. 50 Yes" replied Mr.. Leslie" /" | rendered
the unfortunate man all the assistance that
possibly could, and | make bold to assert that
had been i'll the poor fellows place when you
attempted his capture, I'd sent you to hell in
advance of your masters demand for you |"
The negro-catchers, and there were number
present, threatened to mob the old man, but
he was fearless and defiant of them, and walked
away unmoested
record, could it be furnished, of Mr.. Les
lies numerous acts of kindness, during bis
residence in Chanbersburg, to fugitive slaves,
would make most interesting chapter in the
history of the Underground Railroad" That
most estimable citizen of Chambersburg, Geo.
X. Messersmith, ESQ, the present cashier OF
the Chambersburg Bank, who for many years
was associa' ed in business with the intrepid
Aboitionst could no doubt furnish abundant
material for the chapter, and we trust that il
may be prepared aud find place in Mr. Stills
forthcoming book.
Mr.. Leslie resigned the cashiership Of the
Chambersburg Bank and took charge of tue
Union Bark of Philadelphia when it was or
ganized. Early in his administration Mr.. lin.
coin appointed Mr.. Leslie Consul to Lyons
France. In consequence of ill-heath he re
signed the trust and returned to Philadelphia
where he died, lamented by large circle OF
devoted friends. Mr.. Leslie was an accom-
plished scholar, and Drawer or more generous
heart never beat in human breast than his.
NovEMBEE 20, 1871.