Jacob Bigelow [alias William Penn], April 23, 1856

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 23d, 1856.

DEAR SIR:—I have to thank you for your last two encouraging letters of 31st of March and 7th April. I have seen nothing in the papers to interest you, and having bad health and a press of other engagements, I have neglected to write you.

Enclosed is a list of persons referred to in my last letter, all most anxious to travel — all meritorious. In some of these I feel an especial interest for what they have done to help others in distress.

I suggest for yours and the “powder boy’s” consideration the following plan: that he shall take in coal for Washington and come directly here — sell his coal and go to Georgetown for freight, and wait for it. If any fancy articles are sent on board, I understand he has a, place to put them in, and if he has I suggest that he lies still, still waiting for freight till the first anxiety is over. Vessels that have just left are the ones that will be inquired after, and perhaps chased. If he lays still a day or two all suspicion will be prevented. If there shall be occasion to refer to any of them hereafter, it may be by their numbers in the list.

The family—5 to 11 — will be missed and inquired after soon and urgently; 12 and 13 will also be soon missed, but none of the others.

If all this can be done, some little time or notice must be had to get them all ready. They tell me they can pay the sums marked to their names. The aggregate is small, but as 1 told you, they are poor. Let me hear from you when convenient.

Truly Yours,

WM. PENN.

1.	A woman maybe 40 years old		$40.00
2.	A woman maybe 40 years old with 3 children, say 4, 6, & 8*		15.00
3.	A sister of the above, younger		10.00
4.	A very genteel mulatto girl about 22		25.00
5.	A woman, say 45	These are all one
6.	A daughter, 18	family, either of
7.	A son, 16	them leaving
8.	A son, 14	alone, they think	50.00
9.	A daughter, 12	would cause the
10.	A son, say 22	balance to be sold.
11.	A man, the Uncle, 40
12.	A very genteel mulatto girl, say 23		25.00
13.	A very genteel mulatto girl, say 24		25.00

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* The children might be left behind.

SOURCES: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 188-9