The Underground Railroad eBook

William Still
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 1,446 pages of information about The Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad eBook

William Still
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 1,446 pages of information about The Underground Railroad.

    I beg you will inform me whether two others—­(I., whose wife is
    in Philadelphia, was one of them), ever reached your city.

    To-morrow morning Mrs. Weems, with her baby, will start for
    Philadelphia and see you probably over night.

    Yours Truly,

    J.B.

“J.B.” was not only a trusty and capable conductor of the Underground Rail Road in Washington, but was also a practical lawyer, at the same time.  His lawyer-like letter, in view of the critical nature of the case, contained but few words, and those few naturally enough were susceptible of more than one construction.

Doubtless those styled “our citizens,”—­“three of whom were arrested and brought back,”—­were causing great anxiety to this correspondent, not knowing how soon he might find himself implicated in the “running off,” etc.  So, while he felt it to be his duty, to still aid the child, he was determined, if the enemy intercepted his letter, he should not find much comfort or information.  The cause was safe in such careful hands.  The following letters, bearing on the same case, are also from another good conductor, who was then living in Washington.

LETTERS FROM E.L.  STEVENS.

    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 8,1857.

MY DEAR SIR:—­I write you now to let you know that the children of E. are yet well, and that Mrs. Arrah Weems will start with one of them for Philadelphia to-morrow or next day.  She will be with you probably in the day train.  She goes for the purpose of making an effort to redeem her last child, now in Slavery.  The whole amount necessary is raised, except about $300.  She will take her credentials with her, and you can place the most implicit reliance on her statements.  The story in regard to the Weems’ family was published in Frederick Douglass’ paper two years ago.  Since then the two middle boys have been redeemed and there is only one left in Slavery, and he is in Alabama.  The master has agreed to take for him just what he gave, $1100.  Mr. Lewis Tappan has his letter and the money, except the amount specified.  There were about $5000 raised in England to redeem this family, and they are now all free except this one.  And there never was a more excellent and worthy family than the Weems’ family.  I do hope, that Mrs. W. will find friends who can advance the amount required.

    Truly Yours,

    E.L.  STEVENS.

    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 13th, 1857.

MY FRIEND:—­Your kind letter in reply to mine about Arrah was duly received.  As she is doubtless with you before this, she will explain all.  I propose that a second journey be made by her or some one else, in order to take the other.  They have been a great burden to the good folks here and should have been at home long ere this.  Arrah will explain everything.  I want, however, to say a word
Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
The Underground Railroad from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.