June 21st [1857]

My Dear Friend

A heart full of thanks for your kind and welcome—letter which would have been answered immediately—but for want of time to think a moment. I would dearly love to talk with you as it would be more satisfactory—but as I cannot I will try to explain myself on paper as well as I can—

I have My dear friend— . . . [obliterated] Striven faithfully to give a true and just account of my own life in slavry— God knows I have tried to do it in a Christian spirit— there are somethings that I might have made plainer I know— woman can whisper—her cruel wrongs into the ear of a very dear friend—much easier than she can record them for the world to read— I have left nothing out but what I thought—the world might believe that a Slave woman *was* too willing to pour out—that she might *gain* their sympathies I ask nothing— I have placed myself before you to be judged as a woman *whether* . . . [obliterated] I deserve your pity or contempt. I have another object in view— it is to come to you just as I am a poor slave Mother— not to tell you what I have heard but what I have seen—and what I have suffered— and if their is any sympathy to give—let it be given to the thousands—of of Slave Mothers that are still in bondage—suffering far more than I have— let it plead for their helpless Children that they *. . . [obliterated]* may enjoy the same liberties that my Children now enjoy— Say anything of me that you have had from a truthful source that you think best— ask me any question you like—in regard to the father of my Children I think I have stated all perhaps I did not tell you—that he was a member of Congress—at that time all that of this I have writen— I think it would be best for you to begin with our acquaintance and the length of time that I was in your family you advice about about giving the history of my life in Slavry mention that I lived at service *all the* while that I was striving to git the Book out but do not say with whom I lived as I would not use the Willis name neither would I like to have people think that I was living an Idle life—and had got this book out merely to make money— my kind friend I do not restrict you in anything for you know far better than I do what to say I am only too happy to think that I am going to have it from you—

[at top of separate sheet] *1st*

I hope you will be able to read my unconnected scrool— I have been interupted and called away so often—that I hardly know what I have written but I must send it for fear the opportunity will not come to morrow—to do better— Proffessor Botta and Lady with Ole Bull eldest *son* is here—on a visit from the City beside three other persons that we have had in to spend the day— and Baby is just 4 weeks old this morning. houskeping and looking after the Children occupy every moment of my time we have in all five Children—three girls—and two boys. Imogen is at home [at top of separate sheet] *2* for the Summer Louise came up and spent a week—with me she desired much love to you— she is not well but looking miserably thin—

I have been thinking that I would so like to go away and sell my Book— I could then secure a copywright to sell it both here and in England—and by identifying myself with—it I might do something for the Antislavry Cause— to do this I would have to have of *get letters of* introduction. from some of the leading Abolitionist of this Country. to those of the Old— when you write tell me what you think of it I must stop for I am in the only spot where I can have a light—and the mosquitoes have taken possession of me— much love to all my friends—and Willie— and believe me ever yours

Harriet

Citation:

Autograph letter, signed; Isaac and Amy Post Family Papers, University of Rochester Library.