The Captain’s plan was to collect all the slaves he had once owned, many of whom had escaped to the surrounding villages, and when once in his grasp, to run them speedily into a slave State, and there sell them for the Southern market.  To carry forward this hellish design, it was necessary to have recourse to stratagem.  Some person must be found to lure the unsuspecting slaves into the net he was spreading for them.  At last he found a scoundrel named Simon Watkins, who for the consideration of fifty dollars, was to collect as many of the slaves as he could at one place; and when he had done so, he was to receive the money, leaving Capt.  Helm to do the rest.

Simon set immediately about the business, which was first to go to Palmyra, and in great kindness and generosity, give a large party to the colored people,—­desiring that all Capt.  Helm’s former slaves, in particular, should be present to have a joyous re-union, and celebrate their freedom in having a fine time generally.

Invitations were sent to all, and extensive preparation made for a large “social party,” at Palmyra, at the house of Mrs. Bristol.  My parents were invited; and Simon took the pains to come to Farmington to give me a special invitation.  When the time arrived for the party, I went to Palmyra with the intention of attending.  I had not the least suspicion of any thing wrong; yet, by some mysterious providence, or something for which I can not account, a presentiment took possession of my mind that all was not right.  I knew not what I feared, and could in no way define my apprehensions; but I grew so uneasy, that I finally gave up the party and returned home, before the guests were assembled.

Capt.  Helm and his assistants came on to Palmyra in disguise, before evening, and secreted themselves in one of the hotels to await the arrival of their victims.

At the appointed hour the slaves began to assemble in large numbers and great glee, without the least suspicion of danger.  They soon began their amusements, and in the midst of their mirth, Capt.  Helm and party stealthily crept from their hiding place and surrounded the house; then bursting in suddenly upon the revelers, began to make arrests.  Such a tumult, such an affray as ensued would be hard to describe.

The slaves fought for their lives and their liberty, and the Captain’s party for their property and power.  Fists, clubs, chairs, and any thing they could get hold of, was freely used with a strength and will of men who had tasted the joys of freedom.  Cries and curses were mingled, while blows fell like hail on both sides.  Commands from our old master were met with shouts of bold defiance on the part of the negroes, until the miserable kidnappers were glad to desist, and were driven of—­not stealthily as they came, but in quick time and in the best way they could, to escape the threatened vengeance of the slaves, who drove them like “feathers before the wind.”  But it was a terrible battle and many were severely wounded; among them was my father.  He was taken to his home, mangled and bleeding, and from the effects of that night’s affray he never recovered.  He lingered on in feeble health until death finally released him from suffering, and placed him beyond the reach of kidnappers and tyrants.