My Story of the Civil War and the Under-Ground Railroad (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 Excerpt: ...we have. Here is one," pointing to himself. "Direct me to one of the best men of that stamp you have in the city, please." The clerk took a card and wrote in French, "Wm. VanDuzen, No. 238 44th St., near the railroad crossing." Bassett called at the house immediately. Finding the gentleman at home, he asked for a private talk which resulted in the discovery that this same man was a heavy investor in the U. N. D. G. R., and operator and manager at Vincennes. After hearing Bassett's story in brief VanDuzen said, "You must keep shady here for a few days as you are advertised in all the dailies from the south and in every restaurant, barber shop, saloon and hotel hangs your hand bills, except where an outraged people have torn them down. I have plenty of room and enough to eat for men of your color, but by zands you're whiter than I am. Don't let my wife see you or she'll be afraid that they will arrest me." The next morning by Bassett's request VanDuzen examined all the hotel registers in the city-He discovered that twojmenregistered for dinner at the San-Madill House four days preceeding, one by the name of Murray, of Mobile, and the other was Gosner, Dept. U. S. marshal from St. Louis, Mo. For a few minutes Bassett felt his hair stand up straight and a few light chills run up his spine, but remembering Ward's words, "Be cool, brave and discreet," he showed no agitation. That evening a half dozen of the most influential citizens of the city, all French, called on Mr. VanDuzen and were conducted to Mr. Bassett's room, one by one as they came in and were introduced to him as members of the U. N. D. G. R. association, some of whom were native Frenchmen. One of the older men said "we'll stand by you, boy. Stay here...