Chicago (IL) Tribune, "Clear the Track!––The Train is Coming!," November 7, 1853

   CLEAR THE TRACK!––THE TRAIN IS COMING!

   Messrs. Mathers & Johnson, of Palmyra, Marion county, Missouri, have telegraphed to us from Quincy, Illinois, announcing that on Saturday night the 29th ult., "Thirteen negroes men, women, and children," lett [left] Marion county on the underground railroad, for parts unknown,––but supposed to be Canada,––The dispatch contains a full description of each passenger, and offers a reward that will enable us, when we earn it by catching the runaways, to "live like a gentleman," for at least one year. But as we have "other fish to fry," we want to let the job to some one who is competent for such a business. No one need apply however, who has served less than five years in the penitentiary, and is not ready to sacrifice the chastity of his sister or mother, or sell his soul, for "thirty pieces," for we are confident that any person less devilish in nature and reckless as to consequences would not do. If there are any such hereabouts we beg of them to apply for the job at once.