LETTER FROM JOS.  C. BUSTILL (U.G.R.R.  DEPOT).

HARRISBURG, March 24, ’56.

FRIEND STILL:—­I suppose ere this you have seen those five large and three small packages I sent by way of Reading, consisting of three men and women and children.  They arrived here this morning at 8-1/2 o’clock and left twenty minutes past three.  You will please send me any information likely to prove interesting in relation to them.

Lately we have formed a Society here, called the Fugitive Aid Society.  This is our first case, and I hope it will prove entirely successful.

When you write, please inform me what signs or symbols you make use of in your despatches, and any other information in relation to operations of the Underground Rail Road.

Our reason for sending by the Reading Road, was to gain time; it is expected the owners will be in town this afternoon, and by this Road we gained five hours’ time, which is a matter of much importance, and we may have occasion to use it sometimes in future.  In great haste,

Yours with great respect,

Jos.  C. BUSTILL,

LETTER FROM A SLAVE SECRETED IN RICHMOND.

RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 18th, 1860.

To MR. WILLIAM STILL:—­Dear Sir—­Please do me the favor as to write to my uncle a few lines in regard to the bundle that is for John H. Hill, who lives in Hamilton, C.W.  Sir, if this should reach you, be assured that it comes from the same poor individual that you have heard of before; the person who was so unlucky, and deceived also.  If you write, address your letter John M. Hill, care of Box No. 250.  I am speaking of a person who lives in P.va.  I hope, sir, you will understand this is from a poor individual.

LETTER FROM G.S.  NELSON (U.G.R.R.  DEPOT).

MR. STILL:—­My Dear Sir—­I suppose you are somewhat uneasy because the goods did not come safe to hand on Monday evening, as you expected—­consigned from Harrisburg to you.  The train only was from Harrisburg to Reading, and as it happened, the goods had to stay all night with us, and as some excitement exists here about goods of the kind, we thought it expedient and wise to detain them until we could hear from you.  There are two small boxes and two large ones; we have them all secure; what had better be done?  Let us know.  Also, as we can learn, there are three more boxes still in Harrisburg.  Answer your communication at Harrisburg.  Also, fail not to answer this by the return of mail, as things are rather critical, and you will oblige us.

G.S.  NELSON.

Reading, May 27, ’57.

We knew not that these goods were to come, consequently we were all taken by surprise.  When you answer, use the word, goods.  The reason of the excitement, is:  some three weeks ago a big box was consigned to us by J. Bustill, of Harrisburg.  We received it, and forwarded it on to J. Jones, Elmira, and the next day they were on the fresh hunt of said box; it got safe to Elmira, as I have had a letter from Jones, and all is safe.