ou for some time but I suppose your business has
prevented you from writing. I suppose you have not heard from
any of my friends at Richmond. I have been longing to hear some
news from that part, you may think "Out of sight and out of
mind," but I can assure you, no matter how far I may be, or in
what distant land, I shall never forget you, if I can never
reach you by letters you may be sure I shall always think of
you. I have found a great many friends in my life, but I must
say you are the best one I ever met with, except one, you must
know who that is, 'tis one who if I did not consider a friend, I
could not consider any other person a friend, and that is Mrs.
Hall. Please to let me know if the navigation between New York &
Richmond is closed. Please to let me know whether it would be
convenient to you to go to New York if it is please let me know
what is the expense. Tell Mrs Still that my wife would be very
happy to receive a letter from her at some moment when she is at
leisure, for I know from what little I have seen of domestic
affairs it keeps her pretty well employed, And I know she has
not much time to write but if it were but two lines, she would
be happy to receive it from her, my reason for wanting you to go
to New York, there is a young man named Richard Myers and I
should like for you to see him. He goes on board the Orono to
Richmond and is a particular friend of mine and by seeing him I
could get my clothes from Richmond, I expect to be out of employ
in a few days, as the hotel is about to close on the 1st January
and I hope you will write to me soon I want you to send me word
how you and all the family are and all the news you can, you
must excuse my short letter, as it is now near one o'clock and I
must attend to business, but I have not written half what I
intended to, as time is short, hoping to hear from you soon I
remain yours sincerely,

JOHN HALL.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill desire their best respects to you and Mrs.
Still.

It cannot be denied that this is a most extraordinary occurrence. In
some respects it is without a parallel. It was, however, no uncommon
thing for white men (slave-holders) in the South to have colored wives
and children whom, they did not hesitate to live with and acknowledge by
their actions, with their means, and in their wills as the rightful