Martha Osborne Barrett's Diary
Wednesday, May 30, 1849 – Left Woburn this morning in the ˝ past seven o’clock train of cars.
While on my way to the depot, Llewellyn mistook (?) me with a letter from B. it
contained but a few lines, and it seemed to me was a little cold. Met Mr. Davis
at the depot, He accompanied me to Boston and very politely attended me across
the city to the Eastern RR depot. He gave me a very kind invitation to visit
the Custom House. I entered the ladies room, sat down and as patiently as
possible waited the coming of the boat. In about half an hour, I touched the
landing and I hurried to the entrance to meet mother, soon found her, and dear
sister Lizzy was with her. How glad I was to see them. [ineligible] coach and
we rode up to near the place where the N.E. Antislavery Convention was being
held. The Meladeon (Boston). Went in took our seats near the platform. It
really did me good to see the tried and true of Freedom’s Army gathering
together once more. Wendell Philips was the President of the convention. The
usual speakers were there, S.S. and A. K. Foster, P. Pillsbury, Burleigh, Remond
C.C. Had set but a short time when I spied Phebe Carltand and I went and
chatted with her awhile. She told me Moses was there so I kept watching for him
but did not see him till after the close of the morning session. Found Eunice
Thompson and we went in pursuit of him going across the hall came in contact
with Pillsbury and who should be talking with him but Brainard Cogswell. After
a hardy grasp of the hand he soon conducted us to Moses A. Cortland. Phebe not
seen him for a long time, more than two years. I was exceedingly delighted to
see him. Stopped and talked with him awhile, introduced him to mother and
Lizzie and promising to see him again in the afternoon, went to take dinner at
Mr. Spear’s. Found them very full but willing to take mother and myself. It
still continued raining but we minded it not as we are so near the meeting. Went
back to the Meladeon as I was entering the door, someone touched my shoulder
looking up I found it was Moses waiting for me. …. After the close of the
afternoon meeting Lizzie left to go home. Mother and myself went to Mr. Spear’s
to supper and attended the evening meeting which was very interesting. I am to
weary to give a description of.
Thursday, May 31,
1849 - Continued to
rain, fast, very fast. Could find no coach going towards the Eastern Depot, so
we walked through the drenching rain. I fretted and laughed alternately all the
way. Found Brainard at the depot waiting to bid us farewell. We were soon in
the cars on our way to Salem. Had quite an interesting conversation with Mr.
Stevens of Lawrence. When we reached Salem, the rain continued to pour, and
finding no coach at the Depot, we walked to the Hotel, took the omnibus and were
soon home. “dear, dearly loved home” Aunt and brother welcomed us and how glad
I was to see them.
Wednesday, July 4,
1849 - Have
had no school to day, it being Independence Day. I have staid quietly at home.
I do not like to join in the usual rejoicings for they seem a mockery while
three million of slaves are groaning in bondage in this our country.
