Frances Rollin Whipper, writing Martin Delany's biography under the pseudonym of "Frank A. Rollin" took this account directly from her subject in interviews. Delany was traveling for "The North Star" in Ohio speaking for the end of slavery and collecting subscriptions.
"During his tour in behalf of the North Star, in July 1848, when America's sympathy yearned towards the people of Europe, in the name of whose freedom the thrones were trembling, a mob demanded his life in a village of Northern Ohio.
"They first demanded of him a speech, in a derisive manner, which he refused. In revenge they circulated a report that he was an abolitionist and amalgamationist. This had the desired effect, and soon a mob, consisting of nearly every male in the village, and neighboring farmers, attracted by a blazing fire which they had kindled of store boxes and tar, in the middle of the street, gathered, shouting, swearing, and demanding him of the proprietor of the hotel, who had closed his doors on the appearance of the rabble.
"A barrel of tar was contributed by some person and it was decided to saturate his clothes, set him on fire, and let him run! Interference in his behalf was forbidden, and threats were made against the hotel keeper, who refused to eject him. The movement to break the doors in being threatened and attempted, the landlord addressed them from the window to the effect that it was his own property, and that he would not turn any well behaved person from his house into the street, and if his property was injured, as was threatened, he would have redress by law. As the yells and threats became more deafening, he saw no retreat, and determined to yield his life as dearly as possible.
"Against the entreaties and advice of the proprietor and family, he found his way into the kitchen; seizing there a butcher's knife and a hatchet, he returned and placed himself at the head of the stairs: having within his reach some chairs, he stood awaiting the issue with all the fire of his nature aroused.
"A gentleman friend travelling with him (Delany) (Charles Langston ED.) by blood and complexion a quadroon, was advised by Dr. Delany to leave him by making his exit through the back door, as he would be mistaken for a white. His friend refused to abandon him. The night was far spent; but the clamor still continuing, the mob might have executed their fiendish purpose, had it not been for the timely arrival of one of their number, a veteran soldier, who they called Bill.
"'Stop!' he exclaimed, as he came up to the spot in time to hear the final vote, to 'break into the hotel, bring the nigger out, and burn him!' 'Do you see this arm?' said he pointing to the remaining stump of a lost arm. 'I have fought in Mexico, and I am no coward; but I had rather face an army in the field than enter the room of that negro after the threats you have made in his hearing, knowing the fate that awaits him. Didn't you hear how that black fellow talked? These are educated negroes, and have travelled, and know as much as white men; and any man who knows as much as they do won't let any one force himself into their room in the night and leave it alive!
"'You may take my word for that! Now, gentlemen, I have told you; you may do as you please, but I shan't stay to see it.' During this time they stood patiently listening to Bill; and as he concluded, they shouted, 'We'll take Bill's advice, and adjourn till morning.' They gradually dispersed, after leaving a committee to watch and report when the niggers would attempt to leave.
"At the dawn, however, the landlord had a buggy at the door for his guests, and the few young men on the spot confined their vengeance to abusive epithets and threats. . . ." (Rollin, pp. 56+58)
