WASHINGTON, D. C., July
8, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR:— I write you now to let you know that the
children of E. are yet well, and that Mrs. Arrah Weems will start with one of
them for Philadelphia to-morrow or next day. She will be with you probably in
the day train. She goes for the purpose of making an effort to redeem her last
child, now in Slavery. The whole amount necessary is raised, except about $300.
She will take her credentials with her, and you can place the most implicit
reliance on her statements. The story in regard to the Weems’ family was
published in Frederick Douglass’ paper two years ago. Since then the two middle
boys have been redeemed and there is only one left in Slavery, and he is in
Alabama. The master has agreed to take for him just what he gave, $1100. Mr.
Lewis Tappan has his letter and the money, except the amount specified. There
were about $5000 raised in England to redeem this family, and they are now all
free except this one. And there never was a more excellent and worthy family
than the Weems’ family. I do hope, that Mrs. W. will find friends who can
advance the amount required.
Truly Yours,
E. L. STEVENS.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A
Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 155-6
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