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

LETTERS. 117
and unmeritorious impulse of kindness. I heard his
friends inquiring, " Has he no wife, or sister, that can
go to nurse him? We are trying to ascertain, for he
needs some one." LMy niece said she would go at
once, if her health were strong enough to be trusted.
I replied that my age and state of health rendered
me a more suitable person to go, and that I would
go most gladly. I accordingly wrote to Captain
Brown, and inclosed the letter to Governor Wise.
My intention was to slip away quietly, without having the affair made public. I packed my trunk and
collected a quantity of old linen for lint, and awaited
tidings from Virginia. When Governor Wise answered, he suggested the "6 imprudence of trying any
experiment upon the peace of a society already
greatly excited," etc. My husband and I took counsel together, and we both concluded that, as the noble old veteran was said to be fast recovering from his
wounds, and as my presence might create a popular
excitement unfavorable to such chance as the prisoner
had for a fair trial, I had better wait until I received
a reply from Captain Brown himself. Fearing to do
him more harm than good by following my impulse,
I waited for his own sanction. Meanwhile, his wife,
said to be a brave-hearted Roman matron, worthy of
such a mate, has gone to him, and I have received
the following reply.
Respectfully yours,
L. MARIA CHILD.
BosToN, November 10, 1859.