RICHMOND, VA., Oct. 18th, 1860.
To MR. WILLIAM STILL: — Dear Sir — Please do me the favor as to write to my uncle a. few lines in regard to the bundle that is for John H. Hill, who lives in Hamilton, C. W. Sir, if this should reach you, be assured that it comes from the some poor individual that you have heard of before; the person who was so unlucky, and deceived also. If you write, address your letter John M. Hill, care of Box No. 250. I am speaking of a person who lives in P.va. I hope, sir, you will understand this is from a poor individual.
SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 43
Good morning Professor.
Back in 1860 there was a railroad that actually went underground for a mile of its transit in Richmond. The spur went downtown towards the capitol and the Kanahwa canal from Church Hill. (Near the church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech).
Sometime during the war the tunnel collapsed and killed about 50 people.
5.56mm