A Woman's Life-Work — Labors and Experiences of Laura S. HavilandHaviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith)
Religion
A Woman's Life-Work — Labors and Experiences of Laura S. Haviland
Haviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith)
Freed persons; Haviland, Laura S. (Laura Smith), 1808-1898; Underground Railroad
While at Snell's Hotel they displayed on the bar-room table pistols,
dirks, and bowie-knives, and pointing to them, said Brazier, "Here is
what we use, and we'll have the life of that d--d abolitionist, Mrs.
Haviland, before we leave this State, or be avenged on her in some
way." The five men then in haste jumped aboard the stage for Adrian. As
the authorities were informed of these threats, and Judge Stacy was
going to Adrian on business, he proposed to leave with a friend he was
to pass the import of these threats, fearing they might quit the stage
while passing through our neighborhood, and under cover of night commit
their deeds of darkness. I received the note, and told the bearer I
accepted this as the outburst of passion over their defeat, and did not
believe they designed to carry out these threats, and requested the
excited family to keep this as near a secret as possible, during a day
or two at least, to save my children and the school this exciting
anxiety. But I could not appear altogether stoical, and consulted
judicious friends, who advised me to leave my home a night or two at
least. This was the saddest moment I had seen. I felt that I could not
conscientiously leave my home. "If slaveholders wish to call on me they
will find me here, unless I have business away." They insisted that I
should keep my windows closed after dark, and they would send four
young men students, to whom they would tell the secret, with the charge
to keep it unless disturbance should require them to reveal it. We
received information the following day that the five Kentuckians took
the cars for Toledo on their arrival at Adrian. Their threats increased
the excitement already kindled, and neighbors advised me not to remain
in my house of nights, as there might be hired emissaries to execute
their will. Some even advised me to go to Canada for safety. But rest
was mine in Divine Providence.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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