[Boston—Saturday, 7 November 1868]
Saturday Nov. 7th Mr. Whittier breakfasted here today. He told us an interesting incident connected with his younger days, when he, and Mr Staunton (I think he said Henry M.) were travelling in Pennsylvania and helping a good many slaves, as well as speaking to the people. At last they ran entirely short of funds and arrived penniless one day at a small town where they knew no one. They then took counsel together as to what was best do be done. Staunton said W. had the Friends’ dress on and would be better received probably by strangers for that reason so he would do well to try first what might be done. Whittier sallied out and walked down the village street without an idea of how to obtain help. At length he passed a shop and looking in the window liked the face of the man who was standing inside. He went in, told him how he and his friend had taken a longer journey than they had intended and that he wished a loan of money. The man searched him with his eyes, asked where he & his friend belonged, took the money out and gave it him.
They had neither of them been deceived in their estimate of the other’s character.
Went last night to a meeting of the Women’s Club.
