WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19th, 1857.
WM. STILL, ESQ., Philadelphia, Pa. SIR:--I have just sent for my
son Augustus, in Alabama. I have sent eleven hundred dollars
which pays for his body and some thirty dollars to pay his fare
to Washington. I borrowed one hundred and eighty dollars to make
out the eleven hundred dollars. I was not very successful in
Syracuse. I collected only twelve dollars, and in Rochester only
two dollars. I did not know that the season was so unpropitious.
The wealthy had all gone to the springs. They must have returned
by this time. I hope you will exert yourself and help me get a
part of the money I owe, at least. I am obliged to pay it by the
12th of next month. I was unwell when I returned through
Philadelphia, or I should have called. I had been from home five
weeks.
My son Augustus is the last of the family in Slavery. I feel
rejoiced that he is soon to be free and with me, and of course
feel the greatest solicitude about raising the one hundred and
eighty dollars I have borrowed of a kind friend, or who has
borrowed it for me at bank. I hope and pray you will help me as
far as possible. Tell Mr. Douglass to remember me, and if he
can, to interest his friends for me.
You will recollect that five hundred dollars of our money was
taken to buy the sister of Henry H. Garnett's wife. Had I been
able to command this I should not be necessitated to ask the
favors and indulgences I do.
I am expecting daily the return of Augustus, and may Heaven
grant him a safe deliverance and smile propitiously upon you and
all kind friends who have aided in his return to me.
Be pleased to remember me to friends, and accept yourself the
blessing and prayers of your dear friend,