On Saturday morning last our town was thrown into quite an excitement by several deputy United States marshals making an appearance in our midst for the purpose of capturing an alleged fugitive slave by the name of William Thomas.
    The said Thomas has been a resident of WilkesBarre for the last two years and was formerly employed at Hillman's Hotel, (?) in a short time when he went to the Phoenix on river street. On the morning of the 3d inst., while engaged in the dining room, he was approached from behind and altogether rushed(?) by four or five persons who attacked him and attempted to put shackles upon his arms. He immediately suspected their purpose, and flinging them from him gave battle, when a desperate fight ensued, the negro being repeatedly knocked to the floor and in turn knocking his assailants down, until at length becoming free from them he fled to the river, followed by the officers. On arriving at the river he plunged in with the intention of swimming to the other side, but found that he could not swim, when he returned within a few steps of his pursuers and remained in the water. While fleeing and while in the river he was several times fired at by the officers, but one of which, however, took effect, the ball entering the back part of the head, making a flesh wound. On being requested to come out of the water and surrender himself, he declared his determination to drown himself rather than be taken as a slave. The officers then gave up further pursuit and immediately left town. A warrant was issued for their apprehension, but before an officer could be found to serve it they had left.
    Thomas, was taken up and properly cared for by his friends and, although terribly wounded and bruised, we hear he is doing well and will recover.

Source:

Unknown, "An Attempt to Capture a Fugitive Slave," The Luzerne Union, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Wednesday, 7 September 1853, page 2, col. 7.