h is that I had never been an
Abolitionist, but a Freesoil Democrat; but soon I became a full-fledged
Abolitionist after our flag was fired upon by the Secessionists.

"However, we all entered the house, and after tea, the children being
put to bed, we held another council and decided that inasmuch as there
was such great excitement in the country, and Allentown being such
a hot-hole of rebel sympathizers, it was not safe even to allow our
children to attend the schools. Jennie, however, being a good scholar
and having prior to her marriage taught school, we unanimously elected
her our family teacher, and setting apart a room, duly installed her on
the next Monday morning over our Abolition school, as we found on the
evening of our discussion with the children that they had converted the
household by their innocent questions.

"The next day I rode out to my son David's farm and saw Joseph Dent, the
man whom I had left in charge. I inquired of him if everything was all
right about the place, and he told me that he had moved his family into
David's house, as he feared some damage might be done to it, having seen
several persons prowling about at different times. He did not know who
they were, but was sure they meant mischief, as they were very abusive
of the Colonel, calling him a 'Lincoln dog,' after the manner of Dan
Bowen in his speech.

"Joseph said he was now prepared for them; that he had another man
staying with him, and if I would go with him he would show me what
they had done. I did as he asked me, he led the way into the house and
upstairs, where he showed me a couple of holes cut through the wall
in each room, just beneath the eaves, and standing in the corner was a
regular arsenal of war materials. I said to him that he seemed to be in
for war. The tears started in his eyes, and he said:

"'Uncle Daniel, I am an old soldier; was in Capt. David's company
when he was in the Regular Army. I came to him three years ago when my
enlistment was out. I will defend everything on these premises with my
life. I would be in the army now with the Colonel (I am used to calling
him Captain) if he had not asked me to stay here and take care of his
farm. These "secesh" will not get away with me and my partner very
easily, and should you hear of this fort being stormed, you bring some
men with you to pick up the legs and pieces of the fellows who shall
undertake it. Do not be afraid; we will take care of all here.'

"'Yes