THOMAS GARRETT.

On being informed that Harriet was “all right,” the following extract from a subsequent letter, expresses his satisfaction over the good news, and at the same time, indicates his sympathy for a “poor traveler,” who had fallen a victim to the cold weather, and being severely frost-bitten, had died of lock-jaw, as related on page 52.

“I was truly glad to learn that Harriet Tubman was still in good health and ready for action, but I think there will be more danger at present than heretofore, there is so much excitement below in consequence of the escape of those eight slaves.  I was truly sorry to hear of the fate of that poor fellow who had periled so much for liberty.  I was in hopes from what thee told me, that he would recover with the loss perhaps of some of his toes.

    THOMAS GARRETT.”

In the next letter, an interesting anecdote is related of an encounter on the Underground Rail Road, between the fugitives and several Irishmen, and how one of the old countrymen was shot in the forehead, etc., which G. thought would make such opponents to the Road “more cautious.”

    WILMINGTON, 11th mo., 5th, 1857.

ESTEEMED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:—­I have just written a note for the bearer to William Murphy Chester, who will direct him on to thy care; he left his home about a week since.  I hear in the lower part of this State, he met with a friend to pilot him some twenty-five miles last night.  We learn that one party of those last week were attacked with clubs by several Irish and that one of them was shot in the forehead, the ball entering to the skull bone, and passing under the skin partly round the head.  My informant says he is likely to recover, but it will leave an ugly mark it is thought, as long as he lives.  We have not been able to learn, whether the party was on the look out for them, or whether they were rowdies out on a Hallow-eve frolic; but be it which it may, I presume they will be more cautious here how they trifle with such.  Desiring thee prosperity and happiness, I remain thy friend,

    THOMAS GARRETT.

FOUR OF GOD’S POOR.

The following letter shows the fearless manner in which he attended to the duties of his station: 

    WILMINGTON, 9th mo. 6th, 1857.

RESPECTED FRIEND, WM. STILL:—­This evening I send to thy care four of God’s poor.  Severn Johnson, a true man, will go with them to-night by rail road to thy house.  I have given Johnson five dollars, which will pay all expenses, and leave each twenty-five cents.  We are indebted to Captain F——­t——­n for those.  May success attend them in their efforts to maintain themselves.  Please send word by Johnson whether or no, those seven arrived safe I wrote thee of ten days since.  My wife and self were at Longwood to-day, had a pleasant ride and good meeting.  We are, as ever, thy friend,

    THOS.  GARRETT.