WASHINGTON, D. C.,
November 10th, 1855.
DEAR SIR: — Doctor T. presented my card last night about
half past eight which I instantly recognized. I, however, soon became
suspicious, and afterwards confounded, to find the doctor using your name and
the well known names of Mr. McK. and Mr. W. and yet, neither he nor I, could
conjecture the object of his visit.
The doctor is agreeable and sensible, and doubtless a
true-hearted man. He seemed to see the whole matter as I did, and was
embarrassed. He had nothing to propose, no information to give of the “P. Boy,”
or of any substitute, and seemed to want no particular information from me
concerning my anxieties and perils, though I stated them to him, but found him
as powerless as myself to give me relief. I had an agreeable interview with the
doctor till after ten, when he left, intending to take the cars at six, as I suppose
he did do, this morning.
This morning after eight, I got your letter of the 9th, but
it gives me but little enlightenment or satisfaction. You simply say that the
doctor is a true man, which I cannot doubt, that you thought it best we should
have an interview, and that you supposed I would meet the expenses. You
informed me also that the “P. Boy” left for Richmond, on Friday, the 2d, to be
gone the length of time named in your last, I must infer that to be ten days
though in your last you assured me that the “P. Boy ” would certainly start for
this place (not Richmond) in two or three days, though the difficulty about
freight might cause delay, and the whole enterprise might not be accomplished
under ten days, &c., &c. That time having elapsed and I having agreed
to an extra fifty dollars to ensure promptness. I have scarcely left my office
since, except for my hasty meals, awaiting his arrival. You now inform me he
has gone to Richmond, to be gone ten days, which will expire tomorrow, but you
do not say he will return here or to Phila., or where, at the expiration of
that time, and Dr. T. could tell me nothing whatever about him. Had he been
able to tell me that this best plan, which I have so long rested upon, would
fail, or was abandoned, I could then understand it, but he says no such thing,
and you say, as you have twice before said, “ten days more.”
Now, my dear sir, after this recapitulation, can you not see
that I have reason for great embarrassment? I have given assurances, both here
and in New York, founded on your assurances to me, and caused my friends in the
latter place great anxiety, so much that I have had no way to explain my own
letters but by sending your last two to Mr. Tappan.
I cannot doubt, I do not, but that you wish to help me, and
the cause too, for which both of us have made many and large sacrifices with no
hope of reward in this world. If in this case I have been very urgent since
September Dr. T. can give you some of my reasons, they have not been selfish.
The whole matter is in a nutshell. Can I, in your opinion,
depend on the “P. Boy,” and when?
If he promises to come here next trip, will he come, or go
to Richmond? This I think is the best way. Can I depend on it?
Dr. T. Promised to write me some explanation and give some
advice, and at first I thought to await his letter, but on second thought concluded
to tell you how I feel, as I have done.
Will you answer my questions with some explicitness, and
without delay?
I forgot to inquire of Dr. T. who is the head of your
Vigilance Committee, whom I may address concerning other and further operations?
Yours very truly,
WM. PENN.
P. S. I ought to say, that I have no doubt but there were
good reasons for the P. Boy's going to Richmond instead of W.; but what can
they be?
SOURCES: William Still, The Underground
Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 180-1
