WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec.
9th, 1856.
DEAR SIR: — I was unavoidably prevented yesterday, from
replying to yours of 6th instant, and although I have made inquiries, I am
unable to-day, to answer your questions satisfactorily. Although I know some of
the residents of Loudon county, and have often visited there, still I have not
practiced much in the Courts of that county. There are several of my
acquaintances here, who have lived in that county, and possibly, through my
assistance, your commissions might be executed. If a better way shall not suggest
itself to you, and you see fit to give me the facts in the case, I can better
judge of my ability to help you; but I know not the man resident there, whom I
would trust with an important suit. I think it is now some four or five weeks
since, that some packages left this vicinity, said to be from fifteen to twenty
in number, and as I suppose, went through your hands. It was at a time of
uncommon vigilance here, and to me it was a matter of extreme wonder, how and
through whom, such a work was accomplished. Can you tell me? It is needful that
I should know! Not for curiosity merely, but for the good of others. An
enclosed slip contains the marks of one of the packages, which you will read
and then immediately burn. If you can give me any light that will benefit
others, I am sure you will do so. A traveler here, very reliable, and who knows
his business, has determined not to leave home again till spring, at least not
without extraordinary temptations. I think, however, he or others, might be
tempted to travel in Virginia.
Yours,
WM. P.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A
Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 44-5
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