Among Friends and Foes

Jim Baker: A Thrilling Episode of Ante-Bellum Days. A True Story of the Oppressed Race Among Friends and Foes

By: Thomas Addington, George Hindley

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

A true story of a fugitive slave named Jim Baker that has gone unpublished for over a hundred years. I was touched by the stories recounted by this unknown fugitive and sadly reminded of how our nation once oppressed a people based on the color of their skin. This story is about Jim’s upbringing, his escape to Indiana and his eventual attempted return to Tennessee, recounted by a pastor named Thomas Addington. Jim found both friend and foe on his journey but yearned to bring his family into the freedom he had experienced. Jim Baker’s story is a reminder that we must both love God and hate evil if we are to crush the wicked structures in our society. Among Friends and Foe will transport you back into a time in American history that few of us can understand. Reverend Addington remembers his last moments in Jim's presence. "With a sigh of desparation, but also with firm resolve, Jim spoke of his inner turmoil. 'When I think of what my mother and sister are enduring, I can bear it no longer. By the help of God, I am going to bring them away or die in the attempt.' With tears in his eyes, Jim silently pressed our hands, and then turned and walked away. And that was the last I ever knew of the Jim Baker. Possibly he may have accomplished his purpose. Possibly he and those he loved so well are yet living in the full enjoyment of that liberty which was so dear to him. But it is far more probable that he failed, and his failure meant death."