Kimberton, October 28th, 1855.
Esteemed Friend:—This
evening a company of eleven friends reached here, having left their homes on
the night of the 26th inst. They came into Wilmington, about ten o'clock on the
morning of the 27th, and left there, in the town, their two carriages, drawn by
two horses. They went to Thomas Garrett's by open day-light and from thence
were sent hastily onward for fear of pursuit. They reached Longwood
meeting-house in the evening, at which place a Fair Circle had convened, and
stayed a while in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the
Kennet friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the morning, and from
thence, by daylight, to within a short distance of this place.
They come from New Chestertown, within five miles of the
place from which the nine lately forwarded came, and left behind them a colored
woman who knew of their intended flight and of their intention of passing
through Wilmington and leaving their horses and carriages there.
I have been thus particular in my statement, because the
case seems to us one of unusual danger. We have separated the company for the
present, sending a mother and five children, two of them quite small, in one
direction, and a husband and wife and three lads in another, until I could
write to you and get advice if you have any to give, as to the best method of
forwarding them, and assistance pecuniarily, in getting them to Canada. The
mother and children we have sent off of the usual route, and to a place where I
do not think they can remain many days.
We shall await hearing from you. H. Kimber will be in the
city on third day, the 30th, and any thing left at 408 Green Street directed to
his care, will meet with prompt attention.
Please give me again the direction of Hiram Wilson and the
friend in Elmira, Mr. Jones, I think. If you have heard from any of the nine
since their safe arrival, please let us know when you write.
Very Respectfully,
G. A. Lewis.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A
Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 39-40
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