was fully bent on
dying, rather than remain a slave." The slave-holders evidently
understood her, and were in no hurry about bringing her case to an
issue--they rather gave her time to become calm. But Rebecca was
inflexible.

Six years before her arrival, her husband had escaped, in company with
the noted fugitive, "Shadrach." For a time after he fled, she frequently
received letters from him, but for a long while he had ceased to write,
and of late she had heard nothing from him.

In escaping stowed away in the boat, she suffered terribly, but
faithfully endured to the end, and was only too happy when the agony was
over. After resting and getting thoroughly refreshed in Philadelphia,
she, with others, was forwarded to Boston, for her heart was there.
Several letters were received from her, respecting her prospects, etc.,
from which it appears that she had gained some knowledge of her husband,
although not of a satisfactory nature. At any rate she decided that she
could not receive him back again. The following letter has reference to
her prospects, going to California, her husband, etc.:

PARKER HOUSE, School street, Boston, Oct. 18th, '56.

MY DEAR SIR:--I can hardly express the pleasure I feel at the
receipt of your kind letter; but allow me to thank you for the
same.

And now I will tell you my reasons for going to California. Mrs.
Tarrol, a cousin of my husband, has sent for me. She says I can
do much better there than in Boston. And as I have my children's
welfare to look to, I have concluded to go. Of course I shall be
just as likely to hear from home _there_ as _here_. Please tell
Mr. Bagnale I shall expect one letter from him before I leave
here.

I should like to hear from my brothers and sisters once more,
and let me hear every particular. You never can know how anxious
I am to hear from them; do please impress this upon their minds.

I have written two letters to Dr. Lundy and never received an
answer. I heard Mrs. Lundy was dead, and thought that might
possibly be the reason he had not replied to me. Please tell the
Doctor I should take it as a great favor if he would write me a
few lines.

I suppose you think I am going to live with my husband again.
Let me assure you 'tis no such thing. My mind is as firm as
ever. And believe me, in going away from Boston, I am going away
from him, for I have heard h