We have now arrived at that period when there was great consternation
and despair on the part of the white people of the country. It was
reported far and near that Gen. Wilson, one of the Union generals, was
making a raid through central Alabama with a large army. Simon heard
of this and knew that he would soon be liberated from prison. He had,
however, hidden Colonel R.'s cotton where he was sure it could not be
found. The report about General Wilson's raid proved to be true, as a
detachment went through the town where Simon was confined, and turned
all the prisoners out. Simon hastened home, and the first person he
saw was Henry, who fled on sight, fearing that Simon would do him harm
for turning State's evidence against him. A detachment of the army
went through the county that Elsie was carried to, taking all the stock
and negro men with them. Knowing that Simon had been liberated and was
at home, she and Octavia left immediately to join him, and arrived
about sunset the following day. This was a happy meeting between the
three. Elsie had had no opportunity to have private conversation with
him since she was brought back by the Confederate soldiers, when they
started on the "Underground Railway" for freedom. Consequently she had
much to tell him about that trip, and of her brief sojourn in the
adjoining county. They conversed far into the night, and finally went
to sleep wondering what would be next on the docket. They didn't have
to wonder long, as by some means never known Henry had found out about
Colonel R. intrusting a large amount of gold with Simon, and when he
fled at Simon's appearance, he went immediately to the Federal
General's headquarters and reported this fact.
Henry thought there might be dollars in his pocket by giving this news.
He gave a detailed account of the matter, telling about Simon being a
"nigger driver," having a pack of "nigger dogs," and being heartless
and cruel to the hands on the place. He endeavored to incense the
commander as much as possible against Simon. The General sent a
captain with a company of soldiers to see if there was anything in
Henry's report. On the way Henry urged the captain to hang Simon. Of
course he wanted this done as a protection to himself, as he well knew
that Simon would handle him roughly if he got his hands on him, because
he, Henry, had given him away.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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