Thomas Bayne to William Still, June 23, 1855

NEW BEDFORD, June 23d, 1855.

W. STILL: — Sir — I write you this to inform you that I has received my things and that you need not say any thing to Bagnul about them — I see by the Paper that the under ground Rail Road is in operation. Since 2 Weeks a go when Saless Party was betrayed by that Capt whom we in mass, are so anxious to Learn his name — There was others started last Saturday night — They are all my old friends and we are waiting their arrival, we hope you will look out for them they may come by way of Salem, N. J. if they be not overtaken. They are from Norfolk — Times are very hard in Canada 2 of our old friends has left Canada and come to Bedford for a living. Every thing are so high and wages so low They cannot make a living (owing to the War) others are Expected shortly—let me hear from Sales and his Party. Get the Name of the Capt. that betrayed him let me know if Mrs. Goodwin of Salem are at the same place yet — John Austin are with us. C. Lightfoot is well and remembers you and family. My business increases more since I has got an oflice. Send me a Norfolk Paper or any other to read when convenient.

Let me hear from those People as soon as possible. They consist of woman and child 2 or 3 men belonging to Marsh Bottimore, L. Slosser and Herman & Co — and Turner — all of Norfolk, Va.

Truly yours,

Thos. Bayne.

Direct to Box No. 516, New Bedford, Mass. Don't direct my letters to my office. Direct them to my Box 516. My office is 66½ William St. The same street the Post office is near the city market.

SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 258