August 15, 1858
Today in church, we met a new family. They came to town only last night. They have
come all the way from Alabama! The family’s name is Johnston. They will be living for a spell in Nazrey Church, just as our family did.
Mrs. Johnston looked mighty poorly. Mr.
Johnston’s feet were cut up. They have a young boy named Sammy. His eyes look afraid. Maybe he thinks that the catchers are still after him. During church, Mrs. Johnston was crying. When the service was over, we opened our arms to them.
“Welcome, Johnston family,” everyone said. “You don’t have to run no more.”
Mama say that Mrs. Johnston is tore up
inside over the loss of her baby. The baby was a girl, and while the family was running north, the baby girl died. Made me sad myself to hear that.
Daddy is taking an iron pot over to the
church for the Johnstons to cook in. I am
gathering some kindling for them. Mama has
made squirrel stew today. There is enough to share, so Mama will put some stew in that iron pot. Then the Johnstons can have stew for dinner.
Comprehension Questions
1. Who did the narrator meet at church?
A. The new pastor
B. The Johnston family
C. The catchers
A. His baby sister died
B. He had never been to church before
C. He thought the catchers were still looking for him and his family
Your Thoughts
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.