The Underground Railroad | Page 9

alphabet, have learned to write their own names; such are generally
reported readers and writers.
It being customary for a stranger not to leave the house early in the
morning where he has lodged, I was under the necessity of staying out
all night Saturday, to be able to meet Peter and Levin, which was

accomplished in due time. When we approached, I gave my signal first;
immediately they gave theirs. I talked freely. Levin's voice, at first,
evidently trembled. No wonder, for my presence universally attracted
attention by the lords of the land. Our interview was less than one hour;
the laws were written. I to go to Cincinnati to get a rowing boat and
provisions; a first class clipper boat to go with speed. To depart from
the place where the laws were written, on Saturday night of the first of
March. I to meet one of them at the same place Thursday night,
previous to the fourth Saturday from the night previous to the Sunday
when the laws were written. We to go down the Tennessee river to
some place up the Ohio, not yet decided on, in our row boat. Peter and
Levin are good oarsmen. So am I. Telegraph station at Tuscumbia,
twelve miles from the plantation, also at Paducah.
Came from Florence to here Sunday night by steamboat. Eastport is in
Mississippi. Waiting here for a steamboat to go down; paying one
dollar a day for board. Like other taverns here, the wretchedness is
indescribable; no pen, ink, paper or newspaper to be had; only one
room for everybody, except the gambling rooms. It is difficult for me to
write. Vina intends to get a pass for Catharine and herself for the first
Sunday in March.
The bank of the river where I met Peter and Levin is two miles from the
plantation. I have avoided saying I am from Philadelphia. Also avoided
talking about negroes. I never talked so much about milling before. I
consider most of the trouble over, till I arrive in a free State with my
crew, the first week in March; then will I have to be wiser than
Christian serpents, and more cautious than doves. I do not consider it
safe to keep this letter in my possession, yet I dare not put it in the
post-office here; there is so little business in these post-offices that
notice might be taken.
I am evidently watched; everybody knows me to be a miller. I may
write again when I get to Cincinnati, if I should have time. The
ex-magistrate, with whom I stayed in South Florence, held three hours'
talk with me, exclusive of our morning talk. Is a man of good general
information; he was exceedingly inquisitive. "I am from Cincinnati,
formerly from the State of New York." I had no opportunity to get
anything to eat from seven o'clock Tuesday morning till six o'clock
Wednesday evening, except the hoe cake, and no sleep.

Florence is the head of navigation for small steamboats. Seven miles,
all the way up to my place of departure, is swift water, and rocky. Eight
hundred miles to Cincinnati. I found all things here as Peter told me,
except the distance of the river. South Florence contains twenty white
families, three warehouses of considerable business, a post-office, but
no school. McKiernon is here waiting for a steamboat to go to New
Orleans, so we are in company.
PRINCETON, GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA, FEB. 18, 1851.
To Wm. Still:--The plan is to go to Canada, on the Wabash, opposite
Detroit. There are four routes to Canada. One through Illinois,
commencing above and below Alton; one through to North Indiana,
and the Cincinnati route, being the largest route in the United States.
I intended to have gone through Pennsylvania, but the risk going up the
Ohio river has caused me to go to Canada. Steamboat traveling is
universally condemned, though many go in boats, consequently many
get lost. Going in a skiff is new, and is approved of in my case. After I
arrive at the mouth of the Tennessee river, I will go up the Ohio
seventy-five miles, to the mouth of the Wabash, then up the Wabash,
forty-four miles to New Harmony, where I shall go ashore by night,
and go thirteen miles east, to Charles Grier, a farmer, (colored man),
who will entertain us, and next night convey us sixteen miles to David
Stormon, near Princeton, who will take the command, and I be
released.
David Stormon estimates the expenses from his house to Canada, at
forty dollars, without which, no sure protection will be given. They
might be instructed concerning the course, and beg their way through
without money. If you wish to do what should be done, you will send
me fifty dollars,