Boston, Oct. 1845.
James—I have just received your letter that you wrote so long ago. You want to know all, of course. I left New Bedford and went to Concord, N. H. and from there to Niagara Falls and Vermont State, and back to New York, and now I am in Boston. They have got Albert; they caught him in New Bedford; he got bailed out and will have his trial next Monday; I expect he will be sent to Charlestown. They found him with me, but said it was not me they wanted—but I know they want me for a witness. I am secreted in Boston, and no one knows where except those I stay with. He directed a letter to the Boston post office for me, and says they are trying so find out my name. I have not got one cent; if I had I would come home. I wish you would write to me as soon as you receive this—direct your letter to Mary Jackson.
Your MARIA.
Letters, &c. exhibited to the Coroner’s Jury.
December 10th, 1844.
My Dear Maria:—I shall have to depart for New Bedford by the first train to-morrow, to be absent 8 or 9 days. I much regret not being able to see you, but hope you will be reconciled to my absence, though I am not to yours. But perhaps the following lines will better express my sentiments of regard for you, than I could have done verbally. You know you often say I shall forget you:
PARTING WORDS TO MARIA.
Forget Thee?—If to dream by night and muse on thee by day,
If all the worship deep and wild a loving heart can pay—
If prayers in absence, breathed for thee to heaven’s protecting power—
If winged thoughts that flit to thee, a thousand in an hour—
If busy fancy, blending thee with all thy future lot,—
If this thou call’st FORGETTING, thou Indeed shalt be forgot.