>    Does anyone know of a definitive map of the  Underground Railroad
>stations in New York State?  I need to be able to  obtain rights or
>permission to use it for a book on NY women which will include  Harriet
>Tubman. Thanks so much, Antonia Petrash

        I do not know how anyone else will respond to this posting, and
what I have to say reflects not at all on the project: I am delighted to
know that Harriet Tubman is being written about and that there is a
forthcoming book on New York women.  That is all to the good.

        The request for a "definitive map of the Underground Railroad
stations," however, is a bit worrisome.  There are certainly spots where
fugitives from slavery were housed and some of those are well documented.
I could point to the very careful program underway in Oswego County or Milt
Sernett's fine forthcoming book (Syracuse University Press) that will give
a good deal of information about such things. And certainly, John Jones'
work in Elmira is exceedingly significant.

        But a "definitive map" of such places is something of a
contradiction in terms.  The activity was illegal and conducted in a
clandestine manner for the protection of the fugitives and of those who
helped them.  It was not as if an escaping slave from Virginia was given a
triple A road map at New York's border.  There was no map, nor should we --
to my way of thinking -- endorse any particular route and way as definitive
because of the very nature of the activity.  If we "sanction" a particular
way, we imply that that was the route to be taken when in truth, those who
came into New York (and probably those who went elsewhere) were sent the
way that was best at that moment, or sent where someone had a contact who
could be trusted, or made his or her way as best he could.  It was
patchwork, it was often made up on the spot, and for the most part getting
near Lake Ontario or to Buffalo was the major goal.

        Fugitives were certainly helped throughout New York.  Of that we
can be proud.  But there were here plenty of other people who would have
been indifferent to their cause, and some who would have gladly turned them
back and collected the reward.  Just look at the Jerry case in Syracuse to
see all the various sides at work.

        So I do wish this project well, in fact, I look forward to it.  But
let's not certify a map or route or way without recognizing the complexity
of the situation and the risks for all concerned.

                Carol Kammen