When I arrived in Baltimore, and made known the peculiar strait I was in, to my joyful surprise, some of the friends who had pledged five dollars, gave me ten; and one dear friend who had promised me ten dollars, for this object, and who had previously contributed largely in the purchase of myself, now gave me fifty.

I began to count up, and in two weeks from the time I commenced collecting, I had in hand four hundred dollars.
Presently, another very dear friend enquired of me how I was getting along; and when I told him, he said, "Bring your money to me." I did so.

It lacked two hundred dollars to make the purchase.

This, the best friend I ever had in the world, made up the six hundred dollars, and said, "Go, get your wife; and you can keep on collecting, and repay the two hundred dollars when you get able." I was now overcome with gratitude and joy, and knew not what to say; and when I began to speak, he would not have any of my thanks.

I went to my boarding house, and shut myself up in my room, where I might give vent to the gratitude of my heart: and, O, what a melting time I had! It was to me a day of thanksgiving.
Having now in hand the six hundred dollars, and the promise of Mr.
Wright's security for three hundred more, I was, by twelve o'clock, next day in Fredericksburg.
At first sight, my wife was surprised that I had come back so soon; for it was only two weeks since I had left her; and when I informed her that I had come after her and the children, she could hardly believe me.