ST. CATHARINES, C. W., Oct. 5th, 1854.
MR. WM. STILL: — Dear Sir — I have learned of my friend,
Richmond Bohm, that my clothes were in Philadelphia. Will you have the kindness
to see Dr. Lundy and if he has my clothes in charge, or knows about them, for
him to send them on to me immediately, as I am in great need of them. I would
like to have them put in a small box, and the overcoat I left at your house to
be put in the box with them, to be sent to the care of my friend, Hiram Wilson.
On receipt of this letter, I desire you to write a. few lines to my wife, Mary
Atkins, in the care of my friend, Henry Lowey, stating that I am well and
hearty and hoping that she is the same. Please tell her to remember my love to
her mother and her cousin, Emelin, and her husband, and Thomas Hunter; also to
my father and mother. Please request her to write to me immediately, for her to
be of good courage, that I love her better than ever. I would like her to come
on as soon as she can, but for her to write and let me know when she is going
to start.
Affectionately Yours,
John Atkinson.
W. H. Atkinson, Fugitive, Oct., 1854.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A
Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 300
