Jack, however, kept his prisoner quiet, and the execution of the plot went on. The two white men approached the waggon and removed the covering when they perceived something move and rise up in the waggon. Supposing it to be a soldier guarding the treasure and that they had now encountered an unforeseen danger they became panic struck and fled leaving their black comrade alone. Jack soon perceived the scrape he was in and found it necessary to secure his safety,
- Hufeland Index Page 719 -
but was afraid if he let his captive go, an immediate alarm would be the consequence, and his escape impossible. No time, however, was the be lost, and quick decision became absolutely necessary. Jack took the best course the circumstances permitted. He loosed his grasp of the Frenchman, but, at the moment the latter moved away to resume his post, Jack gave him a blow which sent him sprawling upon the ground, (and he lay for some moments stunned) and ran immediately to the woods where he concealed himself and escaped. This attempt made some noise at the time, but the plot was never known until after the conclusion of the war. It was a large dog confined in the wagon that frightened the two white men. My father's slave, Jack, was once
- Hufeland Index Page 720 -
taken with other prisoners by Simcoe or some British officer - (perhaps Colonel DeLancey in May 1781?) He was so full of loyalty to the king and made such professions of attachment to the officers offering to be a servant, &c, and appearing overjoyed when they told him he was a free man that they did not secure him being completely deceived. Jack marched with them some distance, but ran off the first opportunity, and came back to his old master!
taken with other prisoners by Simcoe or some British officer - (perhaps Colonel DeLancey in May 1781?) He was so full of loyalty to the king and made such professions of attachment to the officers offering to be a servant, &c, and appearing overjoyed when they told him he was a free man that they did not secure him being completely deceived. Jack marched with them some distance, but ran off the first opportunity, and came back to his old master!