Final answer:
The letter from Maria Perkins is significant because it serves as a unique historical source providing insight into the personal experiences of her family, which could be overlooked in broader historical accounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the letter from Maria Perkins being the only record of her family's movement lies in its role as a unique historical document that offers insights into the lives and experiences of people who might otherwise be invisible in historical narratives. Primary sources like letters are crucial for understanding personal perspectives, social dynamics, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. In the absence of other records, such a letter becomes a rare and invaluable account that can shed light on the experiences of families during that time, especially for marginalized or transient populations.
The excerpts provided suggest themes related to displacement, family separation, and the longing for freedom or safety. Whether it be the Loyalists moving to Canada or families escaping slavery and arriving at William Still's office, each narrative illuminates the struggles and resilience of people facing formidable challenges in historical contexts.