The Fugitive Blacksmith: Or, Events in the History of James W. C. Pennington, Pastor of a Presbyterian Church, New York, Formerly a Slave in the State of Maryland, United States

"This entrancing narrative....We trust that thousands of our readers will procure the volume, which is published ...at a mere trifle—much too cheap to accomplish the purpose for which, in part or mainly, it has been published—the raising a fund to remove the pecuniary burdens which press on the author's flock. NOTHING SHORT OF THE SALE OF FIFTY THOUSAND OR SIXTY THOUSAND COPIES could be at all availing for this object....We very cordially recommend him and his narrative to the kind consideration of our readers. Let them load him with English hospitality, fill his purse, and send him back as fast as possible to the land of his early bondage, of his matured freedom, and to the people to whose character and capabilities he does so much honour."—Christian Witness, October, 1849

"The principal portion of the 'Tract,' as Mr. Pennington modestly styles his book, consists of an autobiography of his early life as a slave, and of his escape from bondage, and final settlement in New York as a Presbyterian Minister. His adventures and hair-breadth escapes invest the narrative with startling interest, and excite the deepest sympathies of the reader."—Nonconformist, September, 26th, 1849

"Believing that by the purchase of this little book our readers will confer a benefit on the writer, at the same time that they become possessed of a narrative of deep interest, we give it our most cordial recommendation."—Teetotal Times, October, 1849

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

CHAPTER I. My birth and parentage—The treatment of Slaves generally in Maryland

CHAPTER II. The flight

CHAPTER III. A dreary night in the woods—Critical situation the next day

CHAPTER IV. The good woman of the toll-gate directs me to W.W.—My cordial reception by him

CHAPTER V. Seven months' residence in the family of J.K., a member of the Society of Friends in Chester County, Pennsylvania—Removal to New York—Becomes a convert to religion—Becomes a teacher

CHAPTER VI. Some account of the family I left in slavery—Proposal to purchase myself and parents—How met by my old master

CHAPTER VII. The feeding, clothing, and religious instruction of the slaves in the part of Maryland where I lived

APPENDIX

LIBERTY'S CHAMPION