at a piece of kindness, and shall ever feel indebted
to you for the same. I shall esteem them very highly for two
reasons, first, The way in which they come, that is through and
by your Vigilance as a colored man helping a colored man to get
such knowledge as will give the lie to our enemies.
Secondly--their contents being just the thing I needed at this
time. My indebtedness to you and all concerned for me in this
direction is inexpressible. There are some books the Doctor says
I must have, such as the Medical Dictionary, Physician's
Dictionary, and a work on Anatomy. These I will have to get, but
any work that may be of use to a student of anatomy or medicine
will be thankfully received. You shall hear from me again soon.

Truly Yours,

THOS. BAYNE.

NEW BEDFORD, March 18th, 1861.

Mr. Wm. Still:--Dear Sir--Dr. Powell called to see me and
informed me that you had a medical lexicon (Dictionary) for me.
If you have such a book for me, it will be very thankfully
received, and any other book that pertains to the medical or
dental profession. I am quite limited in means as yet and in
want of books to prosecute my studies. The books I need most at
present is such as treat on midwifery, anatomy, &c. But any book
or books in either of the above mentioned cases will be of use
to me. You can send them by Express, or by any friend that may
chance to come this way, but by Express will be the safest way
to send them. Times are quite dull. This leaves me well and hope
it may find you and family the same. My regards to your wife and
all others.

Yours, &c.,

THOMAS BAYNE,

22 Cheapside, opposite City Hall.

Thus the doctor continued to labor and improve his mind until the war
removed the hideous institution of Slavery from the nation; but as soon
as the way opened for his return to his old home, New Bedford no longer
had sufficient attractions to retain him. With all her faults he
conceived that "Old Virginia" offered decided inducements for his
return. Accordingly he went directly to Norfolk, whence he escaped. Of
course every thing was in the utmost confusion and disorder when he
returned, save where the military held sway. So as soon as the time drew
near for reorganizing, elections, &c., the doctor was found to be an
aspirant for a seat in Congress, and in "running" for it, was found to
be