WASHINGTON, D. C., September 19th. 1857.
WM. STILL, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.
SIR: — I have just
sent for my son Augustus, in Alabama. I have sent eleven hundred dollars which
pays for his body and some thirty dollars to pay his fare to Washington. I
borrowed one hundred and eighty dollars to make out the eleven hundred dollars.
I was not very successful in Syracuse. I collected only twelve dollars, and in
Rochester only two dollars. I did not know that the season was so unpropitious.
The wealthy had all gone to the springs. They must have returned by this time.
I hope you will exert yourself and help me get a part of the money I owe, at
least. I am obliged to pay it by the 12th of next month. I was unwell when I returned
through Philadelphia, or I should have called. I had been from home five weeks.
My son Augustus is
the last of the family in Slavery. I feel rejoiced that he is soon to be free
and with me, and of course feel the greatest solicitude about raising the one
hundred and eighty dollars I have borrowed of a kind friend, or who has borrowed
it for me at bank. I hope and pray you will help me as far as possible. Tell
Mr. Douglass to remember me, and if he can, to interest his friends for me.
You will recollect
that five hundred dollars of our money was taken to buy the sister of Henry H.
Garnett’s wife. Had I been able to command this I should not be necessitated to
ask the favors and indulgences I do.
I am expecting
daily the return of Augustus, and may Heaven grant him a safe deliverance and
smile propitiously upon you and all kind friends who have aided in his return
to me.
Be pleased to remember
me to friends, and accept yourself the blessing and prayers of your dear
friend,
Earro Weems.
P. S. Direct your letter
to E. L. Stevens, in Duff Green’s Row, Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.
E. W.
SOURCES: William Still, The Underground
Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 186-7
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