war
broke out, and with its progress I began to realize the prospect
of a new civilization, and, therefore, concluded to remain and
share the fortunes of my hitherto ill-fated country.

I will say in conclusion that it would have been fortunate for
us if Columbia, being a port of entry for flying fugitives, had
been also the seat of great capitalists and freedom-loving
inhabitants; but such was not the case. There was but little
Anti-slavery sentiment among the whites, yet there were many
strong and valiant friends among them who contributed freely;
the colored population were too poor to render much aid, except
in feeding and secreting strangers. I was doing a prosperous
business at that time and felt it my duty to contribute
liberally out of my earnings. Much as I loved Anti-slavery
meetings I did not feel that I could afford to attend them, as
my immediate duty was to the flying fugitive.

Now, my friend, I have extended this letter far beyond the
limits intended, not with the expectation that it will be
published, but for your own private use to select any matter
that you might desire to use in your history. I have to regret
that I am compelled to refer so often to my own exertions.

I know that I speak within bounds when I say that directly and
indirectly from 1847 to 1860, I have contributed from my
earnings one thousand dollars annually, and for the five years
during the war a like amount to put down the rebellion.

Now the slaves are emancipated, and we are all enfranchised,
after struggling for existence, freedom and manhood--I feel
thankful for having had the glorious privilege of laboring with
others for the redemption of my race from oppression and
thraldom; and I would prefer to-day to be penniless in the
streets, rather than to have withheld a single hour's labor or a
dollar from the sacred cause of liberty, justice, and humanity.

I remain yours in the sacred cause of liberty and equality,

WM. WHIPPER.

ISAAC T. HOPPER.

The distinctive characteristics of this individual were so admirably
portrayed in the newspapers and other periodicals published at the time
of his death, that we shall make free use of them without hesitation. He
was distinguished from his early life by his devotion to the relief of
the oppressed colored race. He was an active member of t