WASHINGTON, D. C.,
November 26, 1855.
MY DEAR SIR:— A recent letter from my friend, probably has
led you to expect this from me. He was delighted to receive yours of the 23d,
stating that the boy was all right. He found the “Prof. gentleman” a perfect
gentleman; cool, quiet, thoughtful, and perfectly competent to execute his
undertaking. At the first three minutes of their interview, he felt assured
that all would be right. He, and all concerned, give you and that gentleman
sincere thanks for what you have done. May the blessings of Him, who cares for
the poor, be on your heads.
The especial object of this, is to inform you that there is
a half dozen or so of packages here, pressing for transportation; twice or
thrice that number are also pressing, but less so than the others. Their
aggregate means will average, say, $10 each; besides these, we know of a few,
say three or four, able and smart, but utterly destitute, and kept so purposely
by their oppressors. For all these, we feel deeply interested; $10 each would
not be enough for the “powder boy.” Is there any fund from which a pittance
could be spared to help these poor creatures? I don't doubt but that they would
honestly repay a small loan as soon as they could earn it. I know full well,
that if you begin with such cases, there is no boundary at which you can stop.
For years, one half at least, of my friend's time here has been gratuitously
given to cases of distress among this class. He never expects or desires to do
less; he literally has the poor always will: him. He knows that it is so with
you also, therefore, he only states the case, being especially anxious for at
least those to whom I have referred.
I think a small lot of hard coal might always be sold here
from the vessel at a profit. Would not a like lot of Cumberland coal always
sell in Philadelphia?
My friend would be very glad to see the powder boy here
again, and if he brings coal, there are those here, who would try to help him
sell.
Reply to your regular correspondent as usual.
WM. PENN.
SOURCES: William Still, The Underground
Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 182-3
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