AMERICAN AND GENERAL HISTORICAL
AUTOGRAPHS AND MANUSCRIPTS
Property From the Estate of
HUGH BULLOCK
BROWN, JOHN, Radical abolitionist. Autograph letter signed ("John Brown") to Mrs. George L. Stearns, "Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Virginia," 29 November 1859. 1 page, 8vo, clean tears at several folds with old tape repairs on verso, paper somewhat yellowed, verso with note in Brown's hand, red morocco slipcase.
Details
BROWN, JOHN, Radical abolitionist. Autograph letter signed ("John Brown") to Mrs. George L. Stearns, "Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Virginia," 29 November 1859. 1 page, 8vo, clean tears at several folds with old tape repairs on verso, paper somewhat yellowed, verso with note in Brown's hand, red morocco slipcase.
THREE DAYS BEFORE HIS EXECUTION, JOHN BROWN ASKS THAT THE ATTENDANTS AT HIS PUBLIC MURDER BE "BAREFOOTED SLAVE BOYS & GIRLS"
The ever-defiant abolitionist, in prison awaiting his execution, replies to a Boston woman: "No letter I have received since my imprisonment here, has given me more satisfaction, or comfort; than yours of the 8th inst[ant]. I am quite cheerful: & was never more happy. Have only time [to] write you a word. May God forever reward you & all yours. My love to All who love their neighbours. I have asked to be spared from having any mock; or hypocritical prayers made over me, when I am publicly murdered: & that my only religious attendants be poor little, dirty, ragged bareheaded & barefooted Slave Boys; & Girls led by some old grey headed Slave Mother. Farewell. Farewell..."
Brown conceived the idea of creating a slave insurrection and on 16 October 1859 he and his followers seized the Federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry. The next day Brown's men were overwhelmed and captured by a detachment of marines led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, and after a swift trial Brown was hanged for treason on 2 December 1859. Accompanying the letter is a printed broadside of ceremonies in Concord, Massachusetts held the day of Brown's execution.
THREE DAYS BEFORE HIS EXECUTION, JOHN BROWN ASKS THAT THE ATTENDANTS AT HIS PUBLIC MURDER BE "BAREFOOTED SLAVE BOYS & GIRLS"
The ever-defiant abolitionist, in prison awaiting his execution, replies to a Boston woman: "No letter I have received since my imprisonment here, has given me more satisfaction, or comfort; than yours of the 8th inst[ant]. I am quite cheerful: & was never more happy. Have only time [to] write you a word. May God forever reward you & all yours. My love to All who love their neighbours. I have asked to be spared from having any mock; or hypocritical prayers made over me, when I am publicly murdered: & that my only religious attendants be poor little, dirty, ragged bareheaded & barefooted Slave Boys; & Girls led by some old grey headed Slave Mother. Farewell. Farewell..."
Brown conceived the idea of creating a slave insurrection and on 16 October 1859 he and his followers seized the Federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry. The next day Brown's men were overwhelmed and captured by a detachment of marines led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, and after a swift trial Brown was hanged for treason on 2 December 1859. Accompanying the letter is a printed broadside of ceremonies in Concord, Massachusetts held the day of Brown's execution.