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| 178 THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD. taking aft of them into the cars here; that, I think, will be found impracticable. I find BO much vigilance at the depot, that I would not deem it safe, though in any kind of carriage they might leave in safety at any time. • All the rest I leave to the experience and sagacity of the gentleman who maps out the enterprise. Now I will thank you to reply to this and let me know that it roaches you in safety, and is not put in a careless place, whereby I may be endangered; and state also, whether all my propositions are understood and acceptable, and whether, (pretty quickly after I shall inform you that all things are ready), the gentleman will make his appearance ? I live alone. My office and bed-room, Ac., are at the corner of £. and 7th streets, opposite the east end of the General Post Office, where any one may call upon me. It would, of course, be imprudent, that this letter, or any other written particulars, be in his pockets for fear of accident. Yours very respectfully, J. BIQELOW. While this letter clearly brought to light the situation of things, its author, however, had scarcely begun to conceive of the numberless difficulties which stood in the way of success before the work could be accomplished. The information which Mr. Bigelow's letter contained of the painful situation of this young girl was submitted to different parties who could be trusted, with a view of finding a person who might possess sufficient courage to undertake to bring her away. Amongst those consulted were two or three captains who had on former occasions done good service in the cause. One of these captaius was known in Underground Rail-Road circles as the " powder boy."* He was willing to undertake the work, and immediately concluded to make a visit to Washington, to see how the "land lay." Accordingly in company with another Underground Rail Road captain, he reported himself one day to Mr. Bigelow with as much assurance as if he were on an errand for an office under the government. The impression made on Mr. Bigelow's mind may be seen from the following letter; it may also be seen that he was fully alive to the necessity of precautionary measures. SECOND LETTER FBOM LAWYER BIGELOW. WASHINGTON, D. C., September 9th, 1855. MB. Wic. STILL, DEAB SIR :—I strongly hope the little matter of business so long pending and about which I have written you so many times, will take a move now. I have the promise that the merchandize shall be delivered in this city to-night. Like so many other promisee, thia also may prove a failure, though I have reason to believe that it will not. I shall, however, know before I mail this note. In case the goods arrive here I shall hope to see your long-talked of " Professional gentleman " in Washington, as soon as possible. He will find me by the enclosed card, which shall be a satisfactory introduction for him. You have never given me his name, nor am I anxious to know it. Bat on a pleasant visit made last fall to friend Wm. Wright, in Adams Co., I suppose I accidentally learned it to be a certain Dr. H—. Well, let turn coma I had an interesting call * week ago from two gentlemen, masters of vessels, and * H« had been engaged at different times in carrying powder in hi* boot from » powder magazine, and boa thb oircwwUaoo, WM femiliarij «*Ued tin " P«wder Bey." |