Having thus succeeded in getting possession of, and secreting this
fleeing child of fifteen, as best they could, in Washington, all
concerned were compelled to "possess their souls in patience," until the
storm had passed. Meanwhile, the "child of fifteen" was christened "Joe
Wright," and dressed in male attire to prepare for traveling as a lad.
As no opportunity had hitherto presented itself, whereby to prepare the
"package" for shipment, from Washington, neither the "powder boy" nor
Dr. T.[B] was prepared to attend to the removal, at this critical
moment. The emergency of the case, however, cried loudly for aid. The
other professional gentleman (Dr. H.), was now appealed to, but his
engagements in the college forbade his absence before about Thanksgiving
day, which was then six weeks off. This fact was communicated to
Washington, and it being the only resource left, the time named was
necessarily acquiesced in. In the interim, "Joe" was to perfect herself
in the art of wearing pantaloons, and all other male rig. Soon the days
and weeks slid by, although at first the time for waiting seemed long,
when, according to promise, Dr. H. was in Washington, with his horse and
buggy prepared for duty. The impressions made by Dr. H., on William
Penn's mind, at his first interview, will doubtless be interesting to
all concerned, as may be seen in the following letter:
[Footnote B: Dr. T. was one of the professional gentlemen alluded to
above, who had expressed a willingness to act as an agent in the
matter.]
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 1855.
MY DEAR SIR:--A recent letter from my friend, probably has led
you to expect this from me. He was delighted to receive yours of
the 23d, stating that the boy was _all right_. He found the
"Prof. gentleman" a _perfect gentleman_; cool, quiet,
thoughtful, and _perfectly competent to execute his
undertaking_. At the first three minutes of their interview, he
felt assured that all would be right. He, and all concerned,
give you and that gentleman sincere thanks for what you have
done. May the blessings of Him, who cares for the poor, be on
your heads.
The especial object of this, is to inform you that there is a
half dozen or so of packages here, _pressing for
transportation_; twice or thrice that number are also pressing,
but less so than the others. Their aggregate means will average,
say, $10 each; besides these, we know of a few, say three or
four, _able and smart_, but utterly destitute, and kept so
purposely by their oppressors. For all these, we feel deeply
interested; $10 each would not be enough for the "powder boy."
Is there any fund from which a pittance could be spared to help
these poor creatures? I don't doubt but that they would honestly
repay a small loan as soon as they could earn it. I know full
well, that if you begin with such cases, there is no boundary at
which you can stop. For years, one half at least, of my friend's
time here has been gratuitously given to cases of distress among
this class. He never expects or desires to do less; he literally
has the _poor always with him_. He knows that it is so with you
also, therefore, he only states the case, being especially
anxious for at least those to whom I have referred.
[Illustration: MARIA WEEMS ESCAPING IN MALE ATTIRE]
I think a small lot of hard coal might always be sold here _from
the vessel_ at a profit. Would not a like lot of Cumberland coal
always sell in Philadelphia?
My friend would be very glad to see the powder boy here again,
and if he brings coal, there are those here, who would try to
help him sell.
Reply to your regular correspondent as usual.