The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., Narrating the Hardships, Hair-Breadth Escapes and Death Struggles of the Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, As Related by Themselves and Others, or Witnessed by the Author.Still, William
History
The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., Narrating the Hardships, Hair-Breadth Escapes and Death Struggles of the Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom, As Related by Themselves and Others, or Witnessed by the Author.
Still, William
Abolitionists -- United States -- Biography; Antislavery movements -- United States -- History -- 19th century; Fugitive slaves -- United States -- Biography; Fugitive slaves -- United States -- History -- 19th century; Underground Railroad
FRIEND STILL:--I suppose ere this you have seen those five large and
three small packages I sent by way of Reading, consisting of three men
and women and children. They arrived here this morning at 8-1/2 o'clock
and left twenty minutes past three. You will please send me any
information likely to prove interesting in relation to them.
Lately we have formed a Society here, called the Fugitive Aid Society.
This is our first case, and I hope it will prove entirely successful.
When you write, please inform me what signs or symbols you make use of
in your despatches, and any other information in relation to operations
of the Underground Rail Road.
Our reason for sending by the Reading Road, was to gain time; it is
expected the owners will be in town this afternoon, and by this Road we
gained five hours' time, which is a matter of much importance, and we
may have occasion to use it sometimes in future. In great haste,
Yours with great respect,
Jos. C. BUSTILL,
LETTER FROM A SLAVE SECRETED IN RICHMOND.
RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 18th, 1860.
To MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Sir_--Please do me the favor as to write to
my uncle a few lines in regard to the bundle that is for John H. Hill,
who lives in Hamilton, C.W. Sir, if this should reach you, be assured
that it comes from the same poor individual that you have heard of
before; the person who was so unlucky, and deceived also. If you write,
address your letter John M. Hill, care of Box No. 250. I am speaking of
a person who lives in P.va. I hope, sir, you will understand this is
from a poor individual.
LETTER FROM G.S. NELSON (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
MR. STILL:--_My Dear Sir_--I suppose you are somewhat uneasy because the
goods did not come safe to hand on Monday evening, as you
expected--consigned from Harrisburg to you. The train only was from
Harrisburg to Reading, and as it happened, the goods had to stay all
night with us, and as some excitement exists here about goods of the
kind, we thought it expedient and wise to detain them until we could
hear from you. There are two small boxes and two large ones; we have
them all secure; what had better be done? Let us know. Also, as we can
learn, there are three more boxes still in Harrisburg. Answer your
communication at Harrisburg. Also, fail not to answer this by the return
of mail, as things are rather critical, and you will oblige us.
G.S. NELSON.
_Reading, May 27, '57_.
We knew not that these goods were to come, consequently we were all
taken by surprise. When you answer, use the word, goods. The reason of
the excitement, is: some three weeks ago a big box was consigned to us
by J. Bustill, of Harrisburg. We received it, and forwarded it on to J.
Jones, Elmira, and the next day they were on the fresh hunt of said box;
it got safe to Elmira, as I have had a letter from Jones, and all is
safe.
Yours,
G.S.N.
LETTER FROM JOHN THOMPSON.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account