ON MONDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 13, 1858, young Shakespeare Boynton drove his father's wagon to the home of John Price. He first offered the black man a job digging potatoes, but Price declined because he was feeling under the weather. The resourceful Shakespeare quickly changed tacks, inviting Price to join him for a ride in the country. “The fresh air must feel good you,” the boy said, promising the unsuspecting laborer that he would “bring you back again.” Price had no reason to mistrust a child, so he climbed into the buggy without realizing that he was heading into an ambush.

They had only driven for about ten minutes – perhaps traveling a mile from town – when they were met by a buggy carrying Mitchell, Lowe, and Davis. (Jennings had remained behind to avert suspicion.) The three slave catchers quickly overpowered John, forcing him at gunpoint from the farm wagon into their own buggy. With the frightened John Price wedged between them, a knife placed firmly at his neck, the slave hunters headed toward Wellington, almost ten miles distant, which was the nearest town with the necessary railroad connection.

Shakespeare Boynton's part in the betrayal was not quite complete. Once Price was securely in the custody of the slave hunters, the young man turned his wagon around and returned to Oberlin, where he informed Jennings – still waiting at Wack's – of the successful capture. Pleased by the good news, Jennings paid Shakespeare $20 and immediately departed for Wellington, where he was to meet up with his colleagues and their prisoner. From Wellington, their plan was to proceed by train to Columbus – where they expected to obtain a perfunctory rendition hearing before Commissioner Crittenden – and ultimately to Kentucky.

Price at first had seemed to acquiesce, telling his captors “I'll go with you” after only the briefest of struggles.