WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23d, 1856.
DEAR SIR:--I have to thank you for your last two encouraging
letters of 31st of March and 7th April. I have seen nothing in
the papers to interest you, and having bad health and a press of
other engagements, I have neglected to write you.
Enclosed is a list of persons referred to in my last letter, all
most anxious to travel--all meritorious. In some of these I feel
an especial interest for what they have done to help others in
distress.
I suggest for yours and the "powder boy's" consideration the
following plan: that he shall take in coal for Washington and
come directly here--sell his coal and go to Georgetown for
freight, and _wait_ for it. If any fancy articles are sent on
board, _I understand he has a place_ to put them in, and _if he
has_ I suggest that he lies still, still waiting for freight
till the first anxiety is over. Vessels that have _just left_
are the ones that will be inquired after, and perhaps chased. If
he lays still a day or two all suspicion will be prevented. If
there shall be occasion to refer to any of them hereafter, it
may be by their numbers in the list.
The family--5 to 11--will be missed and inquired after soon and
urgently; 12 and 13 will also be soon missed, but _none of the
others_.
If all this can be done, some little time or notice must be had
to get them all ready. They tell me they can pay the sums marked
to their names. The aggregate is small, but as I told you, they
are poor. Let me hear from you when convenient.
[Illustration: JOHN HENRY HILL]
Truly Yours,