but heaven witnessed and recorded the silent, sacred promise of my heart
to draw nearer and cherish you with truer fidelity as others turned
away. And so shall I always feel.

* * * * *

"Oh, Mary, how little can we imagine the sufferings of the oppressed,
while we float along on the popular current. I thank God from the depths
of my soul, that we have launched our barks upon the ocean. Frail they
are, yet, having right for our beacon, and humanity for our compass, I
know we shall not be wrecked or go down among the raging elements.

* * * * *

"Now, dear Sister, farewell, and as you depart from this boasted 'land
of liberty and equal rights,' and go among strangers, that you may,
indeed, enjoy liberty, be not despondent, but cheerful, ever remembering
the message of your angel mother.

* * * * *

Again, dear sister, farewell,--you know how much we love you, and that
our deepest sympathies are with you wherever you may be.

"Affectionately yours,
"SARAH D. PORTER."

I subjoin an extract of a letter which I received from Miss K. a few
days before our marriage:--