place, after the family. As glad as I should be, and as much as
I would do for the liberation of Peter's family (now no longer
young), and his three "likely" children, in whom he prides
himself--how much, if you are a father, you can imagine; yet I
would not, and could not, think of persuading any friend to
peril his life, as would be the case, in an errand of that kind.

As regards the price fixed upon by you for the family, I must
say I do not think it possible to raise half that amount, though
Peter authorized me to say he would give you twenty-five hundred
for them. Probably he is not as well aware as I am, how
difficult it is to raise so large a sum of money from the
public. The applications for such objects are so frequent among
us in the North, and have always been so liberally met, that it
is no wonder if many get tired of being called upon. To be sure
some of us brothers own some property, but no great amount;
certainly not enough to enable us to bear so great a burden.
Mother owns a small farm in New Jersey, on which she has lived
for nearly forty years, from which she derives her support in
her old age. This small farm contains between forty and fifty
acres, and is the fruit of my father's toil. Two of my brothers
own small places also, but they have young families, and
consequently consume nearly as much as they make, with the
exception of adding some improvements to their places.

For my own part, I am employed as a clerk for a living, but my
salary is quite too limited to enable me to contribute any great
amount towards so large a sum as is demanded. Thus you see how
we are situated financially. We have plenty of friends, but
little money. Now, sir, allow me to make an appeal to your