vise-like grasp, until he succeeded in getting possession of the cowhide, with which he gave the overseer such a flogging as slaves seldom get.  Williams was seized at once by the dog who endeavored to defend his brutal master, but the other slaves came to the rescue, and threw the dog into a huge fire which was near by, from which, after a singeing, he ran off, howling worse than his master when in the hands of Williams.  He foamed and swore and still the blows descended; then he commanded the slaves to assist him, but as none obeyed, he commenced begging in the most humble manner, and at last entreated them as “gentlemen” to spare him; but all to no purpose.  When Williams thought he had thrashed him sufficiently, he let him go and hurried to his boat and rowed down the bay, instead of crossing it.  The overseer no sooner found himself at liberty than he ran out, calling to a servant girl to bring his rifle, which was loaded.  The rifle was brought, but before he could get to the bay, Williams had gone beyond his reach; but unfortunately another boat was at this moment crossing the bay, which he, mad with rage, fired into.  The men in the boat immediately cried out to him not to repeat the shot, but he was so angry that he swore he would shoot somebody, and sent another bullet after them.  No one was hurt, however, but the brave overseer was vanquished.  Crest-fallen and unrevenged, he shortly after called on Capt.  Helm for a settlement, which was granted, and bidding a final adieu to the “Genesee Country,” he departed for Virginia, where he could beat slaves without himself receiving a cow-hiding.  No one regretted his absence, nor do I think any but the most heartless would cordially welcome his return to the land of Slavery.

[Illustration:  “Instantly Williams sprang and caught him by the throat and held him writhing in his vise-like grasp, until he succeeded in getting possession of the cow-hide, with which he gave the overseer such a flogging as slaves seldom get.”]

CHAPTER VI.

REMOVAL FROM SODUS TO BATH.

Capt.  Helm went to Virginia for his family, and returning with them, concluded to locate his future residence in the village of Bath, Steuben County.  He purchased a large tract of land near the village, a large grist mill, and two saw mills; also, two farms; one called the “Maringo,” east of the village; and the other, called “Epsam,” north of it; and a fine house and lot in the village.  He also kept a distillery, which in those days was well patronized, for nearly every body drank whisky; and with Capt.  Helm it was a favorite beverage.

The slaves were removed to Bath, where our master was well suited, and was everywhere noted for his hospitality.  He had a great deal of land to cultivate, and carried on a multiplicity of business.

Soon after we were settled at Bath, Capt.  Helm’s eldest daughter, Jenny, was married to Mr. John Fitzhugh, her cousin, who had come from Virginia to claim his bride.