Page:The Under-Ground Railroad.djvu/180

160 of this class, assist them, which contributes much to the alleviation of their suffering, and makes the responsibility much easier with us. However, after we have put them in positions suitable for employment, we feel ourselves very much relieved. There is a kind of independency which is rather commendable,—they like to have the name of administering to their own necessities, and it is to them a self-mortification when unable to do so. This may not be applicable to some; I think it is not; but it pervades to a very great extent. Even with the aid of many good friends in Canada we are still unable to meet the demands as they increasingly crown upon us. The Abolitionists of the Northern States, say from Boston and New York, have sent over boxes of clothes, with old and new, and of all sizes, which have been a great blessing. Very many have been relieved who would have suffered almost beyond human conception, but for the timely aid thus afforded. These contributions are voluntary, and are by no means regular, nor indeed do we expect it, though much desired. But the Anti-Slavery friends are burdened from year to year in sustaining their Papers and Periodicals, Lectures, &c.; the consequence is, we have a very great amount of distress, and distress unavoidable, and as may be expected a considerable mortality among these emigrants.