It hardly need be hinted, that the community in which the Fierys lived was deeply agitated for days after, as indeed it was along the entire route to Chambersburg, in consequence of this bold and successful movement.  The horses were easily captured at the hotel, where they were left, but, of course, they were mute as to what had become of their drivers.  The furious Fierys probably got wind of the fact, that they had made their way to Harrisburg.  At any rate they made very diligent search at this point.  While here prosecuting his hunting operations, Fiery managed to open communication with at least one member of the Harrisburg Committee, to whom his grievances were made known, but derived little satisfaction.

After the experience of a few weeks, the pursuers came to the conclusion, that there was no likelihood of recovering them through these agencies, or through the Fugitive Slave Law.  In their despair, therefore, they resorted to another “dodge.”  All at once they became “sort-o’-friendly”—­indeed more than half disposed to emancipate.  The member of the Committee in Harrisburg had, it is probable, frequently left room for their great delusion, if he did not even go so far as to feed their hopes with plausible suggestions, that some assistance might be afforded by which an amicable settlement might be made between masters and slaves.

The following extract, from the Committee’s letter, relative to this matter, is open to this inference, and may serve to throw some light on the subject: 

    HARRISBURG, April 28, ’56.

    Friend Still:—­Your last came to hand in due season, and I am
    happy to hear of the safe arrival of those gents.

I have before me the Power of Attorney of Mr. John S. Fiery, son of Mr. Henry Fiery, of Washington county, Md., the owner of those three men, two women and three children, who arrived in your town on the 24th or 25th of March.  He graciously condescends to liberate the oldest in a year, and the remainder in proportional time, if they will come back; or to sell them their time for $1300.  He is sick of the job, and is ready to make any conditions.  Now, if you personally can get word to them and get them to send him a letter, in my charge, informing him of their whereabouts and prospects, I think it will be the best answer I can make him.  He will return here in a week or two, to know what can be done.  He offers $500 to see them.

Or if you can send me word where they are, I will endeavor to write to them for his special satisfaction; or if you cannot do either, send me your latest information, for I intend to make him spend a few more dollars, and if possible get a little sicker of this bad job.  Do try and send him a few bitter pills for his weak nerves and disturbed mind.

    Yours in great haste,

    Jos.  C. Bustill.

A subsequent letter from Mr. Bustill contains, besides other interesting Underground Rail Road matter, an item relative to the feeling of disappointment experienced by Mr. Fiery on learning that his property was in Canada.