Abolition in the Archives #3:

Simeon S. Jocelyn to William Bowne Parsons:

Letter carried by a freedom-seeker on the Underground Railroad, Sept. 28, 1850

Rev. Simeon Smith Jocelyn, then Vice-President of the New York Vigilance Committee, requests that Bowne House resident William Bowne Parsons assist the anonymous bearer to escape the City. Note that the date-Sept. 28, 1850- falls just 10 days after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act.

“Williamsburgh, Sept 28th 1850.

William Parsons, Esq.

Dear Sir, I commend unto thee this colored brother, who will tell you so much of his story as is necessary to guide your action for his welfare. Williamsburgh is too near the city for his safety. If he can be kept for a few days perfectly unobserved in your neighborhood, he may after the hunters shall have returned take passage east or north as may be deemed advisable. This is a strong case and great care and caution is required. Having received injury in my arm by railroad accident, I am dependent on my daughter to write this letter.”

Truly yours, S.S. Jocelyn

[William Parsons, Esq., Flushing]

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