[Footnote B:  Dr. T. was one of the professional gentlemen alluded to above, who had expressed a willingness to act as an agent in the matter.]

    WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 1855.

MY DEAR SIR:—­A recent letter from my friend, probably has led you to expect this from me.  He was delighted to receive yours of the 23d, stating that the boy was all right.  He found the “Prof. gentleman” a perfect gentleman; cool, quiet, thoughtful, and perfectly competent to execute his undertaking.  At the first three minutes of their interview, he felt assured that all would be right.  He, and all concerned, give you and that gentleman sincere thanks for what you have done.  May the blessings of Him, who cares for the poor, be on your heads.

The especial object of this, is to inform you that there is a half dozen or so of packages here, pressing for transportation; twice or thrice that number are also pressing, but less so than the others.  Their aggregate means will average, say, $10 each; besides these, we know of a few, say three or four, able and smart, but utterly destitute, and kept so purposely by their oppressors.  For all these, we feel deeply interested; $10 each would not be enough for the “powder boy.”  Is there any fund from which a pittance could be spared to help these poor creatures?  I don’t doubt but that they would honestly repay a small loan as soon as they could earn it.  I know full well, that if you begin with such cases, there is no boundary at which you can stop.  For years, one half at least, of my friend’s time here has been gratuitously given to cases of distress among this class.  He never expects or desires to do less; he literally has the poor always with him.  He knows that it is so with you also, therefore, he only states the case, being especially anxious for at least those to whom I have referred.

    [Illustration:  MARIA WEEMS ESCAPING IN MALE ATTIRE]

    I think a small lot of hard coal might always be sold here from
    the vessel at a profit.  Would not a like lot of Cumberland coal
    always sell in Philadelphia?

    My friend would be very glad to see the powder boy here again,
    and if he brings coal, there are those here, who would try to
    help him sell.

    Reply to your regular correspondent as usual.

    WM. PENN.

By the presence of the Dr., confidence having been reassured that all would be right, as well as by the “inner light,” William Penn experienced a great sense of relief.  Everything having been duly arranged, the doctor’s horse and carriage stood waiting before the White House (William Penn preferred this place as a starting point, rather than before his own office door).  It being understood that “Joe” was to act as coachman in passing out of Washington, at this moment he was called for, and in the most polite and natural manner, with the