KIMBERTON, October 28th, 1855.
ESTEEMED FRIEND;--This evening a company of eleven friends reached here,
having left their homes on the night of the 26th inst. They came into
Wilmington, about ten o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and left
there, in the town, their two carriages, drawn by two horses. They went
to Thomas Garrett's by open day-light and from thence were sent hastily
onward for fear of pursuit. They reached Longwood meeting-house in the
evening, at which place a Fair Circle had convened, and stayed a while
in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the Kennet
friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the morning, and from
thence, by daylight, to within a short distance of this place.
They come from New Chestertown, within five miles of the place from
which the nine lately forwarded came, and left behind them a colored
woman who knew of their intended flight and of their intention of
passing through Wilmington and leaving their horses and carriages there.
I have been thus particular in my statement, because the case seems to
us one of unusual danger. We have separated the company for the present,
sending a mother and five children, two of them quite small, in one
direction, and a husband and wife and three lads in another, until I
could write to you and get advice if you have any to give, as to the
best method of forwarding them, and assistance pecuniarily, in getting
them to Canada. The mother and children we have sent off of the usual
route, and to a place where I do not think they can remain many days.
We shall await hearing from you. H. Kimber will be in the city on third
day, the 30th, and any thing left at 408 Green Street directed to his
care, will meet with prompt attention.
Please give me again the direction of Hiram Wilson and the friend in
Elmira, Mr. Jones, I think. If you have heard from any of the nine since
their safe arrival, please let us know when you write.
Very Respectfully,