<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor a long time the idea of escape had been uppermost in the minds of this party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first of January, past, was the time “solemnly” fixed upon to “took out,” but for some reason or other (not found on the record book), their strategical minds did not see the way altogether clear, and they deferred starting until Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On that memorable evening, the men boldly harnessed two of Mr. Fiery’s steeds and placing their wives and children in the carriage, started off vi\u00e2<\/em> Hagerstown, in a direct line for Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, at a rate that allowed no grass to grow under the horses’ feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn this manner they made good time, reached Chambersburg safely, and ventured up to a hotel where they put up their horses. Here they bade their faithful beasts good-bye and “took out” for Harrisburg by another mode of travel, the cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On their arrival they naturally fell into the hands of the Committee, who hurried them off to Philadelphia, apprising the Committee there of their approach by a dispatch sent ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probably they had scarcely reached Philadelphia ere the Fierys were in hot haste after them, as far as Harrisburg, if not farther.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Fiery Pursuit<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt hardly need be hinted, that the community in which the Fierys lived was deeply agitated for days after, as indeed it was along the entire route to Chambersburg, in consequence of this bold and successful movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The horses were easily captured at the hotel, where they were left, but, of course, they were mute as to what had become of their drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The furious Fierys probably got wind of the fact, that they had made their way to Harrisburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At any rate they made very diligent search at this point. While here prosecuting his hunting operations, Fiery managed to open communication with at least one member of the Harrisburg Committee, to whom his grievances were made known, but derived little satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the experience of a few weeks, the pursuers came to the conclusion, that there was no likelihood of recovering them through these agencies, or through the Fugitive Slave Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Fiery Deceit<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn their despair, therefore, they resorted to another “dodge.” All at once they became “sort-o’-friendly”\u2014indeed more than half disposed to emancipate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The member of the Committee in Harrisburg had, it is probable, frequently left room for their great delusion, if he did not even go so far as to feed their hopes with plausible suggestions, that some assistance might be afforded by which an amicable settlement might be made between masters and slaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following extract, from the Committee’s letter, relative to this matter, is open to this inference, and may serve to throw some light on the subject:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Attempt To Recover The Fugitives<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHARRISBURG, April 28, ’56.<\/p>
Friend Still:\u2014<\/p>
Your last came to hand in due season, and I am happy to hear of the safe arrival of those gents. <\/p>
I have before me the Power of Attorney of Mr. John S. Fiery, son of Mr. Henry Fiery, of Washington county, Md., the owner of those three men, two women and three children, who arrived in your town on the 24th or 25th of March. <\/p>
He graciously condescends to liberate the oldest in a year, and the remainder in proportional time, if they will come back; or to sell them their time for $1300. <\/p>
He is sick of the job, and is ready to make any conditions. <\/p>
Now, if you personally can get word to them and get them to send him a letter, in my charge, informing him of their whereabouts and prospects, I think it will be the best answer I can make him. <\/p>
He will return here in a week or two, to know what can be done. He offers $500 to see them. <\/p>
Or if you can send me word where they are, I will endeavor to write to them for his special satisfaction; or if you cannot do either, send me your latest information, for I intend to make him spend a few more dollars, and if possible get a little sicker of this bad job. <\/p>
Do try and send him a few bitter pills for his weak nerves and disturbed mind. <\/p>
Yours in great haste, <\/p>
Jos. C. Bustill.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Owner’s Disappointment<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA subsequent letter from Mr. Bustill contains, besides other interesting Underground Rail Road matter, an item relative to the feeling of disappointment experienced by Mr. Fiery on learning that his property was in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HARRISBURG, May 26, ’56.<\/p>
Friend Still:\u2014<\/p>
I embrace the opportunity presented by the visit of our friend, John F. Williams, to drop you a few lines in relation to our future operations. <\/p>
The Lightning Train was put on the Road on last Monday, and as the traveling season has commenced and this is the Southern route for Niagara Falls, I have concluded not to send by way of Auburn, except in cases of great danger; but hereafter we will use the Lightning Train, which leaves here at 1-1\/2 and arrives in your city at 5 o’clock in the morning, and I will telegraph about 5-1\/2 o’clock in the afternoon, so it may reach you before you close. <\/p>
These four are the only ones that have come since my last. The woman has been here some time waiting for her child and her beau, which she expects here about the first of June. If possible, please keep a knowledge of her whereabouts, to enable me to inform him if he comes. <\/p>
I have nothing more to send you, except that John Fiery has visited us again and much to his chagrin received the information of their being in Canada<\/em>. <\/strong><\/p>Yours as ever, <\/p>
Jos. C. Bustill.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n