细节
BROWN, JOHN, 1800-1859, Radical Abolitionist. Autograph letter signed ("John Brown") to Mr. Henry Thompson of North Elba, N.Y. ("Dear Children"), Akron, 20 July 1852. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf in Brown's hand with original postmarks, seal hole to address leaf.
"...WE DESERVE GOD'S SEVEREST JUDGMENTS...WHETHER ANY OF US ARE PREPARING FOR HEAVEN; IS VERY DOUBTFUL"
A typically newsy letter, very likely addressed to a member of the free black community established by abolitionists at North Elba, New York, where Brown had previously resided: "...We are always glad to hear from you but were sorry to hear that the dreadful drought..continues still. After one of the wet[t]est seasons known for a long time we are here beginning to want for Rain very much, & are afraid we shall suffer the other extreme with still more severity. One thing is certain; we deserve God's severest judgments...We are nearly through Harvesting our Wheat, which is of good quality, but affording only a light crop. Our Grass is very good, Corn & Potatoes, promising. We are fixing a little for the State Fair which comes off at Cleveland about the middle of Sept[embe]r; but whether any of us are preparing for Heaven; is very doubtful...We are getting along very well in raising Calves, Lambs, Pigs, Turkeys, & Chickens. Have the finest lot of Calves I ever saw together...Cholera & Bowel complaints prevail in some parts; & are said to be quite fatal. Can think of no more to interest you now..."
Although John Brown had always been a devout abolitionist, the idea of freeing the slaves through insurrection did not become an obsession until he moved to Akron, Ohio.
"...WE DESERVE GOD'S SEVEREST JUDGMENTS...WHETHER ANY OF US ARE PREPARING FOR HEAVEN; IS VERY DOUBTFUL"
A typically newsy letter, very likely addressed to a member of the free black community established by abolitionists at North Elba, New York, where Brown had previously resided: "...We are always glad to hear from you but were sorry to hear that the dreadful drought..continues still. After one of the wet[t]est seasons known for a long time we are here beginning to want for Rain very much, & are afraid we shall suffer the other extreme with still more severity. One thing is certain; we deserve God's severest judgments...We are nearly through Harvesting our Wheat, which is of good quality, but affording only a light crop. Our Grass is very good, Corn & Potatoes, promising. We are fixing a little for the State Fair which comes off at Cleveland about the middle of Sept[embe]r; but whether any of us are preparing for Heaven; is very doubtful...We are getting along very well in raising Calves, Lambs, Pigs, Turkeys, & Chickens. Have the finest lot of Calves I ever saw together...Cholera & Bowel complaints prevail in some parts; & are said to be quite fatal. Can think of no more to interest you now..."
Although John Brown had always been a devout abolitionist, the idea of freeing the slaves through insurrection did not become an obsession until he moved to Akron, Ohio.