rt, for mouths prior to this date, as has been
stated in this narrative. As to the correctness of the story, all that
the writer has to say is, that he took it down from the lips of Charles,
hurriedly, directly after his arrival, with no thought of magnifying a
single incident. On the contrary, much that was of interest in the story
had to be omitted. Instead of being overdrawn, not half of the
particulars were recorded. Had the idea then been entertained, that the
narrative of this young slave-warrior was to be brought to light in the
manner and time that it now is, a far more thrilling account of his
adventures might have been written. Other colored men who knew both
Davis and Charles, as well as one man ordinarily knows another, rejoiced
at seeing Charles in Philadelphia, and they listened with perfect faith
to his story. So marvellous were the incidents of his escape, that his
sufferings in Slavery, previous to his heroic struggles to throw off the
yoke, were among the facts omitted from the records. While this may be
regretted it is, nevertheless, gratifying on the whole to have so good
an account of him as was preserved. It is needless to say, that the
Committee took especial pleasure in aiding him, and listening to so
remarkable a story narrated so intelligently by one who had been a
slave.

* * * * *

LIBERTY OR DEATH.

JIM BOW-LEGS, _alias_ BILL PAUL.

In 1855 a traveler arrived with the above name, who, on examination, was
found to possess very extraordinary characteristics. As a hero and
adventurer some passages of his history were most remarkable. His
schooling had been such as could only be gathered on plantations under
brutal overseers;--or while fleeing,--or in swamps,--in prisons,--or on
the auction-block, etc.; in which condition he was often found.
Nevertheless in these circumstances his mind got well stored with
vigorous thoughts--neither books nor friendly advisers being at his
command. Yet his native intelligence as it regarded human nature, was
extraordinary. His resolution and perseverance never faltered. In all
respects he was a remarkable man. He was a young man, weighing about one
hundred and eighty pounds, of uncommon muscular strength. He was born in
the State of Georgia, Oglethorpe county, and was owned by Dr. Thomas
Stephens, of Lexington. On reaching the Vigilance Committee in
Philadelphia, his story was told many times over to one and another.