Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Slave Life in Georgia 110
hunters." Then it is that the self-possession, the courage, and the resources of
the particular station-master who has the convoy under his care, are largely
drawn upon. His
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situation at these times is most critical, for though the cunning and daring of the
reckless and experienced slave-hunter may be baffled, it is a far more difficult
feat to delude the sagacity of the four-footed colleagues that frequently
accompany him, and who can "snuff a nigger an eternal distance off, and nose
him out anywhere," so admirably are they trained to their cruel work. It may be
observed, by way of parenthesis, that the above quotation is a genuine
recommendation of "some prime dogs," that were advertised for sale a short
time since in the New Orleans Picayune. It illustrates at once the nature of the
advertiser's trade, and the peculiar qualities of his blood-hounds. But the
runaways and their friends possess a secret which enables them to deceive even
the keen scent of these fierce animals, and it is at no time more serviceable than
when the hunters are nearest to their prey. Instances have been known of
fugitives being tracked to the very thresh-hold of their lurking-place, yet lying
close in safety, until the dogs, utterly baffled, have cast off again with a wild
howl of disappointment. Such, however, have been trying times for all parties.
As may be imagined, the travellers by this line have frequent recourse to
disguises; and
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exciting indeed are the narrations of hair-breadth escapes, under similar
circumstances, and admirable the acts of heroism to which they have led.
Perhaps no fact is more worthy of being dwelt upon in this place than the
fidelity of the station-masters to their trust. No pecuniary consideration has
hitherto induced them to violate a secret involving the fate of so many
thousands of their fellow-creatures, and it is not reckoning too much upon their
future fidelity, to say that they never will; though the passing of the Fugitiveslave
Law has increased the risks of their undertaking, and raised the price of
blood. The slave-owners would doubtless pay a heavy sum to the man who
would point out to them exactly where the underground line commences, and
thus enable them to complete its survey for their own purposes. But Abolition
knows its duty better. When Emancipation has taken place, the Managers of the
Underground Line will make them a present of the secret.
24.03.2006