Details
BROWN, JOHN, 1800-1859, Radical Abolitionist. Autograph letter signed ("Your Affectionate Husband & Father") to "Dear Wife and Children All," 13 May 1859. 1 page, oblong, lined stationery, spotted, tiny tear at fold.
BROWN BEFORE HARPER'S FERRY: "I NOW FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE OF ULTIMATE SUCCESS"
A prophetic letter written from Boston -- headquarters of the radical abolitionist movement which had befriended and supported Brown. Brown's Massachusetts friends included Gerrit Smith, Theodore Parker, T.W. Higginson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and others, who gave money, arms and moral support to Brown's plans to ignite a slave rebellion: "I wrote you from Troy, Last week; saying that I had sent on the balance of articles I intended to buy; & that I might be well to call on Jas A. Allen Westfont for them soon. I would now say that if you are not in a straight for them: it may be as well to defer sending a little: as I expect soon to be at home again & may in that case be able to save considerable expence. They are all direct to John Brown at Westport. I feel now very confident of ultimate success; but have to be patient: & have had the Ague to hinder me some lately..."
At this time Brown received $3,800 from the Massachusetts State Kansas Committee and "fixed upon Harper's Ferry as the base of his operations in Virginia and rented a farm...where he could collect his arms...but it was not until October 16 that [he] gave the order to proceed to the Ferry" (DAB).
BROWN BEFORE HARPER'S FERRY: "I NOW FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE OF ULTIMATE SUCCESS"
A prophetic letter written from Boston -- headquarters of the radical abolitionist movement which had befriended and supported Brown. Brown's Massachusetts friends included Gerrit Smith, Theodore Parker, T.W. Higginson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and others, who gave money, arms and moral support to Brown's plans to ignite a slave rebellion: "I wrote you from Troy, Last week; saying that I had sent on the balance of articles I intended to buy; & that I might be well to call on Jas A. Allen Westfont for them soon. I would now say that if you are not in a straight for them: it may be as well to defer sending a little: as I expect soon to be at home again & may in that case be able to save considerable expence. They are all direct to John Brown at Westport. I feel now very confident of ultimate success; but have to be patient: & have had the Ague to hinder me some lately..."
At this time Brown received $3,800 from the Massachusetts State Kansas Committee and "fixed upon Harper's Ferry as the base of his operations in Virginia and rented a farm...where he could collect his arms...but it was not until October 16 that [he] gave the order to proceed to the Ferry" (DAB).