Uncle Daniel's Story Of "Tom" Anderson, and Twenty Great Battles

by John McElroy

“'Sho' as you is born'd, dat Massa Tom knows you; but, sah, he's powerful weak, an' you must exclose who yo' is to him in a most delicacious manner, or you'll incite him. He's 'fraid, sah, dat you is a exposter.'

“'O, no, aunty, I am his uncle and benefactor.'

“'Yo'is what?'

“'His uncle,'

“'No, but de oder t'ing what you is?'

“'His benefactor.'

“'Glory to God! Is you? May de Laud shine his light in dis pore house, an' brush away de fears ob dis misfortunate famly.'

“Then she called Ham.

“'Oh, yo' Ham, come heah.'

“I entered the cabin and beheld Col. Anderson, as pale as death, lying on a poor, broken-down bed. I knelt by his side upon the floor and wept aloud. The Colonel could only whisper. Extending his hand, while the great tears were rolling down his face, he asked: