pared a poor scrap in return for thine. But the rain discouraged her, and I have thus additional time to say what I wished, relative to a proposition of removal, in case a favorable opening should appear. The more I look at it, the better I like it; and, after adding up all my—or rather our— resources of happiness here, and comparing them with what we should probably acquire in NewYork, there appears to be no argument against the possibility, at least, of our being as happy there as here. Thou, my dearest Abby, knowest what it is to leave home. Between Philadelphia and Wilmington the distance is so short, that I have always felt as though I were but on the other side of the way, comparatively. To increase the distance were to weaken the delightful association. I have not found the ties of latter years to be less than those of minority. But others, different in their nature, and more closely allied to existence, have been created. However dear are the former, I must acknowledge the latter to be superior; and it is for these more particularly that the future must be considered. As regards Philadelphia, having some knowledge of the social relations, which might be improved in New-York, I should leave it with but little regret not meaning to insinuate or 'set down aught in malice' against the many means of enjoyment it possesses. I believe it cannot be said that I have ever appeared to be discontented with my lot; and when I speak thus in reference to a removal, I feel that we could be as happy to remain as we are, as the happiest of those around us.

It is impossible, however, to say the hundredth part of what 'rises with life' without speaking face to face.

"And now to other matters, for the time is short. How is dear little Willie? Did he seem pleased with the rusk? Oh, how I want to see you both! As regards coming home, it must not be beyond Seventh day. If nobody very particular should appear, would it not be feasible for Josiah to see you seated in the car at Amboy, and I to meet you at Bordentown? Don't like the thing a bit-but the very idea of being disappointed! I want you to be at home on Seventh day, because I will not go to the store after our arrival and will have First day in the bargain. It would be wretched to have to go to the store the very day after my dear A. comes home. I shall have a letter in the morning and learn the very day, the very day, of your coming. Don't put thy head out of the car windows, and be down at the boat 15 min. at least, before the hour of starting. I am so very anxious for your safe return. And now, dear, with love to our own family, and a thousand kisses for thyself and Willie, I am thy ever faithful,

66

TO JOSIAH FROM ABBY.

66

Philada, 11th mo. 28th, 1834.

Our prospects still continue bright as regards a removal, though we have not yet whispered it to a living mortal-not a solitary Phila

delphian knows a syllable, for thee knows how it is just whisper it and away it goes. And, until there is a prospect, attended with some certainty, we shall keep quiet. So please observe secrecy. Last evening, we attended an Anti-Slavery Meeting, where Robert Purvis, son-in-law to James Forten, gave us such information as he gathered concerning Abolition, during his travels in Europe. It was very interesting the room crowded to overflowing.

"Willie is sweet and lovely-everybody says how he improved in New York. I do not intend he shall forget thee, if I can help it. It will be very delightful to live where we can at all times see our dear Father; it seems too pleasant to come to pass. James is quite as much elated as I am. We shall, indeed, be superlatively happy."

I'

CHAPTER VI.

1835-1841.

BEGINNINGS OF ANTI-SLAVERY.

N 1835, the removal to New York was brought

about, and James and Abby took up their

abode with Friend Hopper. Here, in the ninth month of that year, the eldest daughter was born, and named Sarah Hopper, for Abby's mother.

JAMES TO ABBY.

"New York, 7th mo. 6, 1836. "I arrived here at 2 P.M. on Seventh day, very warm and very dirty. New York stands alone, I am sure. The streets were crowded with all sorts of people. Broadway was like a great marketplace. There must have been several hundred Grog-tents and Stalls erected in and about the Park. The noise was above everything. Instead of a day of national rejoicing, it ought to be called one of national degradation. Sixty more Fourth of Julys will kill Liberty as 'dead as a doornail.'

JAMES TO ABBY.

"New York, 7 mo. 10, 1836.

"Had a fine offer yesterday, from which anyone of common sagacity might expect to make his

fortune. It was the position of First Teller in a Bank at Chicago, with a salary of a thousand dollars a year; about equal to fifteen hundred here, considering the expense of living, and the uses that might be made of money in that part of the country. I like the front parlor too well to go beyond the back-woods. If I were a single man, the case would be different; but I am not 'single' and that settles the hash.' And further, I would n't be single for ten Chicagos. Will that do? Again, if I had accepted the offer, it would have been in violation of that very wholesome piece of advice: 'Never undertake an important piece of work without consulting your wife.' An immediate answer was required, and, of course, I said 'No.'”

(Private, under same date.)

"There is no connection so near that one can feel free to admit to unlimited participation in correspondence with one's wife. Between married folks who live and love as they ought to, there is necessarily a degree of confidence which ought to be held sacred-it is for themselves alone. We wish to say many things to each other, that no human being besides can appreciate. And, to say the least, it would be useless to say such things aloud. I never feel at a loss in writing to thee, my dear A., if I know that thee alone will read. But, as was the case with my hasty letter the other day, as well as the first part of this, I feel trammeled. Thee must tear off this part of the sheet, and not let it go out of thy hands. Not that I've any particular secrets,