[Letter to] Dear Deborah
Contributors: Weston, Deborah, b.1814 recipient
Series: Deborah Weston Correspondence (1830-1879)
Published: 1863
Place of publication: New Bedford, [Mass.]
Language: eng
Format: [manuscript]
Subjects: Correspondence; Women abolitionists; Antislavery movements; Draft Riot, New York, N.Y., 1863; History
Notes: Holograph, signed.

Following the news of the New York riot, "it was ascertained that there was to be a combined effort of the lower classes in Fall River, Wareham & Bridgewater & other adjoining towns to burn & Pillage New Bedford." Joseph Ricketson gives details of the "programme" of attack. He is not feeling apprehensive, since they are prepared for any emergency through the stationing of artillery at forts etc. Ricketson says: "Your humble servant nor none of his family are armed." The black chaplain of the 55th Massachusetts Regiment wanted a revolver. A collection of money was quickly taken and a $16 revolver was purchased for him. Twenty armed blacks patrolled the house of a man who threatened to burn the houses of black people. Lieutenant Colonel William Logan Rodman died a hero. Joseph Ricketson feared that Thomas Rodman would be killed as he led the assault on Port Hudson. Thomas B. Robeson, who rose to be senior captain at the age of 22, was wounded in the thigh. Joseph Ricketson describes the circumstances of his death and the solemn funeral. He laments the sacrifice of human life. Mrs. Frances D. Gage, who spoke at City Hall, seemed like one inspired. He refers to the "Rousing speech" of Wendell Phillips in Framingham. The letters printed in the Liberator signed "Thud" are by George P. Guerrier, an English civil engineer who enlisted as a private in the Massachusetts 22nd Regiment; Guerrier was in six battles, wounded, and discharged from the hospital.