Letters of Lydia Maria Child, with a biographical introduction by John G. Whittier and an appendix by Wendell Phillips.

LETTERS. 165
transmitted to me through the pages of his book, I
feel as if he were my friend,- as if I had known
and loved him. When I was in Boston, last week, I
stopped and looked at the advertisement of " John
Brent " in the windows of Ticknor & Fields. I
wanted it very much, and was on the point of stepping in and buying it. But I thought of the " contrabands," and of other claims upon me, still nearer,
so far as natural relationship goes, and I said to myself, "' No unnecessary expense till the war is over."
XI walked away very well satisfied with my decision;
but I was amazing glad to have the book, and I
thank Mrs. C a thousand times. It is very curious how often it happens so. My wants are few, but
when I do want anything very much it is very apt to
come to me, from some source, without my expressing the wish to any one. I wonder whether there is
any spiritual magnetism in it?
TO FRANCIS G. SHAW.
WAYLAND, 1862.
I inclose twenty dollars, which I wish you would
use for the'" contrabands " in any way you think best.
I did think of purchasing shoes, of which I understand
they are much in need, but I concluded it was best
to send to you to appropriate it as you choose. In
November I expended eighteen dollars for clothing,
mostly for women and children, and picked up all
the garments, blankets, etc., that I could spare. I
sent them to Fortress Monroe. Last week I gave
A. L. twenty dollars toward a great box she is filling
for Port Royal. My interest in the " contrabands,"
everywhere, is exceedingly great; and at this crisis I
feel that every one ought to be willing to do their