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| 188 I™ VNDSKQAOms' BAIL ROAD. better port in the Chesapeake bay, or in the Pafcuxent river to communicate with this vicinity, than by entering the Potomac river, even were there no such taw. Suppose he opens a trade with some place south-west of Annapolis, 25 or 30 miles from here, or less. He might carry wood, oysters, &c., and all his customers from this vicinity might travel in that defection without any of the suspicions that might attend their jour-neyings towards this city. In this way, doubtless, a good business might be carried on •without interruption or competition, and provided th« plan was conducted without affecting the inhabitants along that shore, no suspicion would arise as to the manner or magnitude of his business operations. How does this strike you ? What does the " powder boy " think of it? I heretofore intimated a pressing necessity on the part of several females—they are variously situated—two have children, say a couple each ; some have none—of the latter, one can raise $50, another, say 30 or 40 dollars—another who was gazetted last August (a copy sent you), can raise, through her friends, 20 or 30 dollars, &c., &c. None of these can walk so far or so fast as scores of men that are constantly leaving. I cannot shake off my anxiety for these poor creatures. Can you think of anything for any of these ? Address your other correspondent in answer to this at your leisure. Yours, WM. PBNN. P. S.—April 3d. Since writing the above, I have received yours of 31st. I am rejoiced to hear that business is so successful and prosperous—may it continue till the article shall cease to be merchandize. I spoke in my last letter of the departure of a " few friends." I have since heard of their good health in Penn'a. Probably you may have seen them. In reference to the expedition of which you think you can "hold out some little encouragement," I will barely remark, that I shall be glad, if it is undertaken, to have all the notice of the time and manner that is possible, so as to make ready. A friend of mine says, anthracite coal will always pay here from Philadelphia, and thinks a small vessel might run often—that she never would be searched in the Potomac, unless she went outside. You advise caution towards Mr. P. I am precisely of your opinion about him, that he is a " queer stick," and while I advised him carefaily in reference to his own undertakings. I took no counsel of him concerning mine. Yours, W. P. 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 wail for it. If any fancy articles are sent on board, I under stand 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 etill 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. |