ST. CATHARINES, C.W., MAY 15th, 1854.
My Dear Friend:--I receaved yours, Dated the 10th and the papers
on the 13th, I also saw the pice that was in Miss Shadd's paper
About me. I think Tolar is right About my being in A free State,
I am and think A great del of it. Also I have no compassion on
the penniless widow lady, I have Served her 25 yers 2 months, I
think that is long Enough for me to live A Slave. Dear Sir, I am
very sorry to hear of the Accadent that happened to our Friend
Mr. Meakins, I have read the letter to all that lives in St.
Catharines, that came from old Virginia, and then I Sented to
Toronto to Mercer & Clayton to see, and to Farman to read fur
themselves. Sir, you must write to me soon and let me know how
Meakins gets on with his tryal, and you must pray for him, I
have told all here to do the same for him. May God bless and
protect him from prison, I have heard A great del of old
Richmond and Norfolk. Dear Sir, if you see Mr. or Mrs. Gilbert
Give my love to them and tell them to write to me, also give my
respect to your Family and A part for yourself, love from the
friends to you Soloman Brown, H. Atkins, Was. Johnson, Mrs.
Brooks, Mr. Dykes. Mr. Smith is better at presant. And do not
forget to write the News of Meakin's tryal. I cannot say any
more at this time; but remain yours and A true Friend ontell
Death.
W.H. GILLIAM, the widow's Mite.
"Our friend Minkins," in whose behalf William asks the united prayers of
his friends, was one of the "scoundrels" who assisted him and his two
companions to escape on the steamer. Being suspected of "rascality" in
this direction, he was arrested and put in jail, but as no evidence
could be found against him he was soon released.