PARKER House, School street, Boston, Oct. 18th, ’56.
MY DEAR SIR: — I can hardly express the pleasure I feel at
the receipt of your kind letter; but allow me to thank you for the same.
And now I will tell you my reasons for going to California.
Mrs. Tarrol, a cousin of my husband, has sent for me. She says I can do much
better there than in Boston. And as I have my children's welfare to look to, I
have concluded to go. Of course I shall be just as likely to hear from home
there as here. Please tell Mr. Bagnale I shall expect one letter from him
before I leave here.
I should like to hear from my brothers and sisters once
more, and let me hear every particular. You never can know how anxious I am to
hear from them; do please impress this upon their minds.
I have written two letters to Dr. Lundy and never received an
answer. I heard Mrs. Lundy was dead, and thought that might possibly be the
reason he had not replied to me. Please tell the Doctor I should take it as a
great favor if he would write me a few lines.
I suppose you think I am going to live with my husband
again. Let me assure you ’tis no such thing. My mind is as firm as ever. And
believe me, in going away from Boston, I am going away from him, for I have
heard he is living somewhere near. He has been making inquiries about me, but
that can make no difference in my feelings to him. I hope that yourself, wife
and family are all quite well. Please remember me to them all. Do me the favor
to give my love to all inquiring friends. I should be most happy to have any
letters of introduction you may think me worthy of, and I trust I shall ever
remain
Yours faithfully,
Rebecca Jones.
P. S — I do not know if I shall go this Fall, or in the
Spring. It will depend upon the letter I receive from California, but whichever
it may be, I shall be happy to hear from you very soon.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A
Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 327-8
