Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-09-15
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
Who some of the Operators are-Directions
TO Runaway Negroes how to 90 by the
Underground Road.
From the New York Herald

lFrom the New York Herald
1t has long been n matter of speculation to
many who the holders of the stock of the under
ground railroad were, and how they operated
with and managed their road, particularly as
the managers of the dark concern operate alto
Sether in private The following few spicy
notes, directions, &c, which were originally in
tended for the eye of a resident formerly of
Filth avenue In this city, but at present of
South Brooklyn, and an owner and one of the
ooard Oh directors, as we are informed of this
great railroad, but which, instead of reaching
their original destination, fell accidentally Of
eourse) into the hands of a gentleman of this
city IN no way connected with or sympathizing
In the principles of that stock company who
mas placed them in our hands for disposal as we
deem proper; and not knowing of a better way
to get rid of the villainous documents than to
lay them before our readers, we have concluded
to do. We should, however, state that the first
OF the specimens fell into the gentleman's hands
alluded TO some time in February 1855, since
which time they have been gradually accumu-
Iatlng until the present time-slOw, but sure
and now number five documents all told, con-
tanning the names of the writer's
CHIEF SECIETARY's OFFICE, Feb 2, 1855
Brother OlDtstead: l herewith consign to
your care specimen Of goods from Old Vir-
ginis, which you will please forward to her
Britannia Malesty's dominions. The goods are
genuine 1ours, NORMAND BURR.
The second package of goods received by
our friend contained the following note of in
PRODUCTION:
SIR: The bearer of this, with the enclosed
document, was consigned to me by some one as
yet unknown; still, as everything seems to be
all right, have thought best to assist him in
reaching Rochester, and trust you are a friend
TO suffering humanity sufficient to aid him in
cOnsummatlng his plans, i. o. of reaching Can
ada. For reference of my integrity in such
cause would refer you to the Hon VIM. Pit
KIN, IN whose employ have been for some four
years up to 1884, and who no doubt will co-ope-
rate with you In rendering all assistance neces-
Sary. Yours, respectfully, r.
W. B GARDINER.
Document referred to in the above:
Take the Western Railroad train from
Springfield to Albany. When you arrive in
Albany, enquire for the New York Central
Railroad office. Take the New York Central
train and go to Buffalo; enquire for Z. g. Spal-
ding at Buffalo Take the Great Western Rail
road for Hamilton and London in Canada
The bearer would like to get employment as
farmer in Canada
The fourth document is as follows:
send this boy to you. Give him all the in
formation he may require. He is a Door slave
from the eastern part of Virginia. and L thought
1t wss best to send him to you. The bearer of
this Is a Union man, s" seeking to visit Canada
ON an exploring" tour. If you can aid him
in any way, without violating the PRINCIPLES of
the late Compromise, you will much oblire the
man The bearer Of this desires to make your
acquaintance. At all events, give him ali the
geographical Information he may require; and
L take the liberty to recommend the man to
you, and hope you will understand this note
Yours, respectfully, W. FISHER
The fifth and last precious document ran as
follows
Bro. Ransom This colOred man called on
me as fugitive, being sent from gentleman
In Poughkeepsie, aud L am at a loss as to which
way he had best 90 to Canada. viii you see
him right in the matter
Yours, truly, S. MCKEAy.
+. ,. L enclose note to Bro. BurdOck with
this. You are at liberty to make what Gisposi-
ton OF 1t you please. 5. MCkEAN.
The note alluded to in the postscript has un-
fortunately been mislaid
1t Is useless to add that the requests con-
tanned In the above notes were not complied
with The fugitives, who were in each Instance
fine, healthy looking negroes, were sent off
about their business, with the assurance that if
they were not off they would be liable to arrest,
and to be restored to their masters