When the long looked-for day of emancipation arrived, which she had
never expected to witness, the unbounded thankfulness of her heart found
expression in the appended letter:
SALEM, September 23, 1862.
DEAR FRIEND:--Thy letter dated 17th, was not received till last
night. I cannot tell where it has been detained so long. On the
22d, yesterday, Amy Reckless came here, after I began writing,
and wished me to defer sending for a day or two, thinking she
could get a few more dollars, and she has just brought some, and
will try for more, and clothing. A thousand thanks to President
Hamlin for his kindness to the contrabands; poor people! how
deplorable their situation; where will they go to, when cold
weather comes? so many of them to find homes for, but they must
and will, I trust be taken care of, not by their former
care-takers though.
I have read the President's proclamation of emancipation, with
thankfulness and rejoicing; but upon a little reflection, I did
not feel quite satisfied with it; three months seems a long time
to be in the power of their angry and cruel masters, who, no
doubt, will wreak all their fury and vengeance upon them,
killing and abusing them in every way they can--and sell them to
Cuba if they can. It makes me sad to think of it. Slavery, I
fear, will be a long time in dying, after receiving the fatal
stroke. What do abolitionists think of it? and what is thy
opinion? I feel quite anxious to know something more about it.
The "Daily Press" says, it will end the war and its cause. How
can we be thankful enough if it should, and soon too. "Oh,
praise and tanks," what a blessing for our country. I never
expected to see the happy day. If thee answers this, thee will
please tell me all about it, and what is thought of it by the
wise ones; but I ought not to intrude on thy time, thee has so
much on thy hands, nor ask thee to write. I shall know in time,
if I can be patient to wait.
Enclosed are seventeen dollars; from Amy Reckless, $1,50; J.
Bassett, $1; Jesse Bond, $1; Martha Reeve, $1; S. Woodnutt, $1;
Hannah Wheeler, $1; a colored man, 25 cents; 25 cents thrown in,
to make even; A.G., $10. Amy is very good in helping, and is
collecting clothing, which she thinks, cannot be sent till next
week. I will attend to sending it, as soon as can be, by stage
driver. May every success attend thy labors for the poor
sufferers. * * *
With kind regards, thy friend,