The inquiry may arise, as to how such passengers managed to get through
Maryland and Delaware. But it cannot be expected that the manner in
which each arrival traveled should be particularly described. It might
not be prudent even now, to give the names of persons still living in
the South, who assisted their fellow-men in the dark days of Slavery. In
order, however, that some idea may be gathered as to the workings of one
branch of the road in Delaware (with names suppressed) we insert the
following original letter for what it may be worth.
CAMDEN, June 13, 1858.
MR. STILL:--I writ to inform you that we stand in need of help
if ever we wonted help it is in theas day, we have Bin trying to
rais money to By a hors but there is so few here that we can
trust our selves with for fear that they may serve us as tom
otwell served them when he got them in dover Jail. But he is dun
for ever, i wont to no if your friends can help us, we have a
Road that more than 100 past over in 1857. it is one we made for
them, 7 in march after the lions had them there is no better in
the State, we are 7 miles from Delaware Bay. you may understand
what i mean. I wrote last december to the anti Slavery Society
for James Mot and others concerning of purchasing a horse for
this Bisnes if your friends can help us the work must stil go on
for ther is much frait pases over this Road, But ther has Ben
but 3 conductors for sum time, you may no that there is but few
men, sum talks all dos nothing, there is horses owned by Collard
peopel but not for this purpose. We wont one for to go when
called for, one of our best men was nigh Cut By keeping of them
too long, By not having means to convay them tha must Be convad
if they pass over this Road safe tha go through in 2 nights to
Wilmington, for i went there with 28 in one gang last November,
tha had to ride for when thea com to us we go 15 miles, it is
hard Road to travel i had sum conversation with mr. Evens and
wos down here on a visit, pleas try what you can do for us this
is the place we need help, 12 mile i live from mason and Dixson
Line. I wod have come but cant have time, as yet there has been
some fuss about a boy ho lived near Camden, he has gone away, he
ses me and my brother nose about it but he don't.
There is but 4 slaves near us, never spoke to one of them but
wonce she never gos out pleas to tri and help, you can do much
if you will it will be the means of saving ourselves and others.
Ancer this letter.
Pleas to writ let me no if you can do anything for us. I still
remain your friend.
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