John Brown letters for the years 1833 thru 1859

Osawatomie, KS -

Salmon and myself are here again, on our way back from Missouri, where we have been for corn, as what the boys had raised was used up...

Randolph, PA - 26 October 1833

I enclose fifteen dollars, and wish you to let me know that you receive it.

Randolph, PA - 21 November 1834

...I have been trying to devise some means whereby I might do something in a practical way for my poor fellow-men who are in bondage...

Kipley, VA - 27 April 1840

I have seen the spot where, if it be the will of Providence, I hope one day to live with my family

Hudson, NY - 18 January 1841

Since I parted with you at Hudson some thoughts have passed through my mind which my intense anxiety for your welfare prompts me to communicate by writing.

Richfield, OH - 17 October 1842

I have just received information of my final discharge as a bankrupt in the District Court, and I ought to be grateful that no one of my creditors has made any opposition...

Richfield, OH - 17 October 1842

Whereas I, John Brown, ... received of the New England Company (through their agent, George Kellogg, Esq.), the sum of twenty- eight hundred dollars...

Richfield, OH - 24 July 1843

I well know how to appreciate the feelings of a young person among strangers, and at a distance from home...

Richfield, OH - 11 January 1844

I have lately entered into a copartnership with Simon Perkins, Jr., of Akron, with a view to carry on the sheep business extensively.

Springfield, MA - 7 March 1844

It is once more Sabbath evening, and nothing so much accords with my feelings as to spend a portion of it in conversing with the partner of my choice

Cleveland, OH - 22 June 1844

Have had a good deal of loss amongst our sheep from grub in the head. Have raised 560 lambs, and have 2,700 pounds of wool...

Akron, OH - 23 May 1845

We are all well but little Annie, who is afflicted with a singular eruption of the skin, and is withal quite unwell.

unknown - 30 May 1845

We are at this time all well, but very busy preparing for shearing.

Akron, OH - 27 January 1846

Our sales of sheep (mostly bucks) since August amount to about $640.

Richmond, OH - 24 March 1846

I am out among the wool-growers, with a view to the next summer's operations.

Akron, OH - 6 June 1846

DEAR SON AND DAUGHTER...Two lines would have told me all, and that you were or were not well.

Springfield, MA - 29 September 1846

I feel assured that notwithstanding God has chastised us often and sore, yet he has not entirely withdrawn himself from us nor forsaken us utterly.

Springfield, MA - 29 October 1846

Yours of the 22d, telling us of the death of brother King, is received.

Springfield, MA - 10 December 1846

I hope you will visit my family as often as you can during my absence, and that you will write us often while here.

Springfield, MA - 5 January 1847

Sometimes my imagination follows those of my family who have passed behind the scenes; and I would almost rejoice to be permitted to make them a personal visit.

Springfield, MA - 12 March 1847

Have turned about four thousand dollars worth of wool into cash since I returned

Springfield, MA - 2 April 1847

I am quite sensible of the truth of your remark, that my family are quite as well off as though we possessed millions.

Springfield, MA - 12 April 1847

I enclose ten dollars; and I must say that when you continue to make INDEFINITE applications for money, without giving me the least idea of the amount you need...

Akron, OH - 9 July 1847

We mean to have the business done up before we leave, so as to have no breaking up of the family here.

Springfield, MA - 1 September 1847

We got over the tedious job of moving as well as we could expect, and have both families comfortably fixed.

Springfield, MA - 1 November 1847

Our business, so far as I can judge, has gone along middling well during my absence.

Springfield, MA - 2 December 1847

I trust that getting or losing money does not entirely engross our attention ; but I am sensible that it occupies quite too large a share in it.

Springfield, MA - 16 January 1848

I never seemed to possess a faculty to console and com fort my friends in their grief; I am inclined, like the poor comforters of Job, to sit down in silence...

Springfield, MA - 5 February 1849

We have in this part of the country the strongest proofs that the great majority have made gold their hope, their only hope.

London, ENG - 29 August 1849

Have called on the Messrs. Pickersgill, and find they have neither sold any wool nor offered any.

London, ENG - 21 September 1849

...a lot of No. 2 wool was sold at the auction sale, at from twenty-six to twenty-nine cents per pound. This is a bad sale, and I have withdrawn all other wools from the market, or public sales.

Westport, NY - 9 November 1849

I reached home last week, and found all well, and the weather fine, which has been the case since you left

Burgettstown, PA - 12 April 1850

When at New York, on my way here, I called at Messrs. Fowler & Wells's office, but you were absent. Mr. Perkins has made me a visit here...

Akron, OH - 25 April 1850

I will just say, in few words, that such is the effect here of the California fever, that a man is becoming more precious than gold...

Whitehall, NY - 4 November 1850

...these different claims amount to some forty thousand dollars, and if lost will leave me nice and flat.

Springfield, MA - 28 November 1850

It now seems that the Fugitive Slave Law was to be the means of making more Abolitionists than all the lectures we have had for years.

Springfield, MA - 4 December 1850

What burdens me most of all is the apprehension that Mr. Perkins expects of me in the way of bringing matters to a close what no living man can possibly bring about in a short time...

unknown - 17 January 1851

I wrote Owen last week that if he had not the means on hand to buy a little sugar, to write Mr. Cutting

Springfield, MA - 17 January 1851

I have improved my leisure hours quite busily with colored people here, in advising them how to act, and in giving them all the encouragement in my power.

Vernon, NY - 24 March 1851

I hope to get through here so as to be on our way again to Ohio before the week closes, but want you and Jason both to hold on and take the best possible care of the flock

Steubenville, OH - 15 May 1851

We have now no prospect of any trial until fall, except with Henry Warren...

Hudson, OH - 20 May 1851

I learn by brother Jeremiah, who has just returned, that you have engaged yourself to buy wool.

Troy, NY - 6 October 1851

I wish you to say to Mr. Epps l that if Mr. Hall does not soon take care of the boards that are fallen down about the house he built, I wish he and Mr. Dickson would go and take them away...

North Hudson, NY - 6 October 1851

I have drawn an order on you, payable in board of Mail-carrier, horse-feed, or oats, in favor of Mr. Judd for $7.09, which you will oblige me by paying in oats at forty cents per bushel...

Cleveland, OH - 30 October 1851

...Warren's attorneys feel pretty well cornered up...

Akron, OH - 1 December 1851

One serious difficulty has been with Frederick, who has been very wild again.

Boston, MA - 22 December 1851

The great excitement produced by the coining of Kossuth, and the last news of a new revolution in France, with the prospect that all Europe will soon again be in a blaze, seems to have taken all by surprise.

Troy, NY - 23 January 1852

DEAR CHILDREN... If you find it difficult for you to pay for Douglass paper, I wish you would let me know, as I know I took liberty in ordering it continued.

Elizabethtown, NY - 6 February 1852

Mr. Judd is wanting to buy a large quantity of oats, for which he is now paying one cent per pound, cash.

New York, NY - 11 March 1852

I called on Messrs. CLEVELAND & Titus to-day. Found Mr. CLEVELAND intended to charge us three hundred dollars as a balance of accounts.

Akron, OH - 20 March 1852

DEAR CHILDREN, I reached home on the 18th at evening, meeting with father on the way, who went home with me and left us yesterday

Akron, OH - 14 May 1852

I have a great deal to write, and but very little time in which to do it.

Akron, OH - 20 July 1852

I wrote you a few days before the death of our infant son, saying we expected to lose him ; since then we have some of us been sick constantly.

Akron, OH - 6 August 1852

One word in regard to the religious belief of yourself, and the ideas of several of my children. My affections are too deep-rooted to be alienated from them; but...

Akron, OH - 10 August 1852

The cars have been running regularly from Akron to CLEVELAND since July 5, so that there is now steam conveyance from Akron to Westport. This is a great comfort, as it reduces the journey to such a trifling affair.

Akron, OH - 21 September 1852

We drew three second premiums at the fair, but no first premium. Our bull by far the most extraordinary animal we have got no premium at all.

Akron, OH - 24 September 1852

DEAR CHILDREN... but just then we learned that our trial would not come on until November next.

Vernon, NY - 8 December 1852

I have this moment got a line from Mr. Ely, saying our trial at Boston will not come on until the first week in January next.

Akron, OH - 9 December 1852

Had I expected so hard and so expensive a trip, I should not have returned.

North Elba, NY - 15 December 1852

Our trial at Boston is to come on by agreement on the 6th January. I shall write Mr. Perkins to send you money for expenses...

Vergennes, VT - 22 December 1852

I have written Mr. Perkins to send you money for expenses, so that you may set out for Boston by the 21st January at furthest.

Boston, MA - 6 January 1853

I have the satisfaction to say that we have at last got to trial, and I now hope that a little more than another week will terminate it.

Akron, OH - 21 February 1853

DEAR CHILDREN... Our bargain will not probably vary much from this, namely, he to furnish land, stock of all kinds, teams, and tools, pay taxes on lands, half the taxes on other property, and furnish half the salt ; I to furnish all the work

Utica, NY - 6 April 1853

I seem to be pretty much over the effects of the ague, except as to my sight, which is some impaired, and which will not probably ever become much better.

Akron, OH - 6 April 1853

I have thought a good deal how to arrange as well as possible in regard to a home, should I live to go back to North Elba...

Akron, OH - 30 June 1853

In regard to a house, I did not prefer a log one, only in view of the expense

Akron, OH - 26 August 1853

In your letter you appear rather disposed to sermonize ; and how will it operate on you ...if I should pattern after you a little, and also quote some from the Bible?

Akron, OH - 23 September 1853

I hope that through the infinite grace and mercy of God you may be brought to see the error of your ways...

Akron, OH - 24 September 1853

DEAR CHILDREN... I sometimes feel encouraged to hope that my sons will give up their miserable delusions and believe in God and in his Son our Saviour.

Akron, OH - 25 January 1854

DEAR CHILDREN... It appears to be well settled now that we go back to North Elba, in the spring.

Akron, OH - 9 February 1854

I write by direction of Mr. Perkins to ask you to come out immediately to assist him, instead of Mr. Newton, in closing up my accounts.

Akron, OH - 24 February 1854

I have agreed to go on to the Ward place for one year, as I found I could not dispose of my stuff in time to go to North Elba, without great sacrifice this spring.

Akron, OH - 3 April 1854

I had a most comfortable time settling last year's business, and dividing with Mr. Perkins, and have to say of his dealing with me that he has shown himself to be every inch a gentleman.

Akron, OH - 14 April 1854

In fact, God never leaves us without the mst abundant cause for gratitude ; and let us try and have it in habitual exercise.

Akron, OH - 24 August 1854

DEAR CHILDREN... This part of the country is suffering the most dreadful drouth ever experienced during this nineteenth century.

Akron, OH - 2 November 1854

I feel still pretty much determined to go back to North Elba

Akron, OH - 3 January 1855

DEAR CHILDREN... On my return here from North Elba I was disappointed of about three hundred dollars for cattle sold to brother Frederick, and am still in the same condition

Akron, OH - 13 February 1855

DEAR CHILDREN... I got quite an encouraging word about Kansas from Mr. Adair the other day. He had before given quite a gloomy picture of things.

Rockford, IL - 7 May 1855

DEAR CHILDREN... I am here with my stock of cattle to sell, in order to raise funds so that I can move to North Elba

Rockford, IL - 4 June 1855

DEAR CHILDREN... I write just to say that I have sold my cattle without making much sacrifice, and expect to be on my way home to-morrow.

Husdson, OH - 18 June 1855

DEAR CHILDREN... I write to say that we are (after so long a time) on our way to North Elba,, with our freight also delivered at the Akron depot

Syracuse, NY - 28 June 1855

I reached here on the first day of the convention, and I have reason to bless God that I came ; for I have met with a most warm reception from all...

Chicago, IL - 23 August 1855

We have a nice young horse, for which we paid here $120, but have so much load that we shall have to walk a good deal enough probably to supply ourselves with game.

, IA - 4 September 1855

We fare very well on crackers, herring, boiled eggs, prairie chicken, tea, and sometimes a little milk. Have three chickens now cooking for our breakfast.

Osawatomie, KS - 13 October 1855

We reached the place where the boys are located one week ago, late at night; at least Henry and Oliver did. I, being tired, stayed behind in our tent...

Brownsville, KS - 2 November 1855

...no crops of hay or anything raised had been taken care of; with corn wasting by cattle and horses, without fences; and, I may add, without any meat...

Osawatomie, KS - 23 November 1855

I have felt a great deal troubled about your prospects of a cold house to winter in...

Osawatomie, KS - 16 December 1855

I suppose you have learned the result before this (possibly) , will give a brief account of the invasion in my own way.

, KS -

Names of sufferers and persons who have made sacrifices in endeavoring to maintain and advance the Free-State cause in Kansas, within my personal knowledge.

Osawatomie, KS - 1 February 1856

By means of the sale of our horse and wagon, our present wants are tolerably well met...

Osawatomie, KS - 6 February 1856

It is likely that when the snow goes off, such high water will prevail as will render it difficult for Missouri to invade the Territory...

Browns Station, KS - 7 April 1856

I would have sent you more, but I had no way to do it, arid money is very scarce with me indeed.

Browns Station, KS - 0 June 1856

On our way to Lawrence we learned that it had been already destroyed, and we encamped with John's company overnight.

Praire City, KS - 2 June 1856

It is said that both the Lawrence and Osawatomie men, when the ruffians came on them, either hid or gave up their arms

Lawrence, KS - 7 September 1856

On the morning of the 30th of August an attack was made by the Ruffians on Osawatomie, numbering some four hundred

Lawrence, KS - 7 September 1856

Early in the morning of the 30th of August the enemy's scouts approached to within one mile and a half of the western boundary of the town of Osawatomie.

unknown -

I am anxious to draw him out more fully, and would also like to keep him a little encouraged and avoid an open rupture for a few weeks

Boston, MA - 16 February 1857

I am getting quite anxious to hear from you, and to get your views on your own prospects and present condition, together with your ideas of Governor Geary and of Kansas matters generally.

Hartford, CT - 6 March 1857

I shall send you some newspapers soon to let you see what different stories are told of me. None of them tell things as I tell them.

Springfield, MA - 12 March 1857

Have just been speaking for three nights at Canton, Conn., and at Collinsville, a village of that town.

Springfield, MA - 31 March 1857

...as regards the resolution of the boys to learn and practice war no more, that it was not at my solicitation that they engaged in it at first

Springfield, MA - 31 March 1857

I have but a moment to write, and but little to say that would afford you any interest...

Boston, MA - 8 April 1857

I bless God that he has not left the Free-State men of Kansas to pollute themselves by the foul and loathsome embrace of the old rotten whore.

Boston, MA - 13 April 1857

I, John Brown, of North Elba,, N. Y., intending to visit Kansas, and knowing the uncertainty of life, make my last will as follows...

Springfield, MA - 16 April 1857

Please for ward to me by express the pistols you have received...

Springfield, MA - 16 April 1857

I am advised that one of Uncle Sam's hounds is on my track; and I have kept myself hid for a few days to let my track get cold.

New Haven, CT - 23 April 1857

DEAR CHILDREN... Have but a moment to write. If I am not found at Westport, wait a little for me.

Springfield, MA - 25 April 1857

The sabre you got is the identical one taken from Lieutenant Brocket at Black Jack surrender.

Vergennes, VT - 13 May 1857

as I deem it most uncertain what will become of things I carry into the war, and as I need arms more than I do bread, I propose not to draw on you for the amount named

Vergennes, VT - 13 May 1857

I must ask to have the one thousand dollars made up at once and forwarded to Gerrit Smith.

Peterboro, NY - 15 May 1857

This, I think, much the cheapest and most proper way to provide for them, and far less humiliating to my wife, who, though not above getting her bread over the washtub, will never tell her trials or her wants to the world.

Akron, OH - 23 May 1857

I had made no previous arrangement with Mr. Smith about the land, other than to say that I wanted the contract with the Thompsons made over to me on payment

Hudson, OH - 27 May 1857

If I should never return, it is my particular request that no other monument be used to keep me in remembrance than the same plain one that records the death of my grandfather and son

Red Rock, IA - 15 July 1857

have concluded to send you a short story of a certain boy of my acquaintance : & for convenience & shortness of name, I will call him John.

Wassonville, IA - 17 July 1857

Since I last wrote I have made but little progress, having teams and wagons to rig up arid load...

Tabor, IA - 8 August 1857

I obtained two teams and wagons, as I talked of, at a cost of seven hundred and eighty-six dollars, but was obliged to hire a teamster and to drive one team myself.

Tabor, IA - 13 August 1857

I had to begin my journey back with not more than half money at any time to bear my expenses through and pay my freights.

Tabor, IA - 17 August 1857

We are beginning to take lessons, and have (we think) a very capable teacher.

Tabor, IA - 27 August 1857

I cannot express the gratitude I feel to all the kind friends who contributed towards paying for the place at North Elba

Tabor, IA - 11 September 1857

My particular object in writing is to say that I am in immediate want of some five hundred or one thousand dollars for secret service, and no questions asked.

Tabor, IA - 12 September 1857

We get nothing very definite from Kansas yet, but think we shall in the course of another week

Tabor, IA - 16 September 1857

I had previously written you expressive of my strong desire to see you.

Tabor, IA - 30 September 1857

I think, considering all the uncertainties of the case, want of teams, etc., that I should do wrong to set out.

Concord, MA - 1 October 1857

I paid out five hundred and fifty dollars on a contract for one thousand superior pikes, as a cheap but effectual weapon to place in the hands of entirely unskilful and unpractised men...

Tabor, IA - 5 October 1857

Please send me by Mr. Charles P. Tidd what money you have for me, not papers.

Rochester, NY - 30 January 1858

Whether I shall be permitted to visit you or not this winter or spring, I cannot now say ; but it is some relief of mind to feel that I am again so near you.

Rochester, NY - 2 February 1858

I have nearly perfected arrangements for carrying out an important measure in which the world has a deep interest

Peterboro, NY - 20 February 1858

I am here with our good friends Gerrit Smith and wife, who, I am most happy to tell you, are ready to go in for a share in the whole trade.

Peterboro, NY - 24 February 1858

Mr. Morton has taken the liberty of saying to me that you felt half inclined to make a common cause with me.

Brooklyn, NY - 26 February 1858

I want to put into the hands of my young men copies of Plutarch's "Lives", Irving's "Life of Washington", the best-written Life of Napoleon, and other similar books

New York, NY - 2 March 1858

I find a much more earnest feeling among the colored people than ever before ; but that is by no means unusual.

Boston, MA - 4 March 1858

I shall be most happy to see you at my room (126) in this house, at any and at all hours that may suit your own convenience

Boston, MA - 7 March 1858

Since you know I have an almost countless brood of poor hungry chickens to "scratch for," you will not reproach me for scratching even on the Sabbath.

Ingersol, CAN - 16 April 1858

I have thought it possible, though not probable, that some persons might be disposed to hunt for any property I may be supposed to possess

Springdale, IA - 27 April 1858

I have just bought eight barrels of flour for you, which will be shipped to Watson

Chicago, IL - 28 April 1858

Would it be entirely satisfactory all round to have Henry manage the farms for both families, and let Watson go with Oliver and friend Hinkley?

Chatham, CAN - 12 May 1858

all here were well yesterday, when Owen and some others left for the eastward. I with others remain behind to wait for funds to arrive.

Chatham, CAN - 14 May 1858

...none of our friends need have any fears in relation to hasty or rash steps being taken by us. As knowledge is said to be power, we propose to become possessed of more knowledge.

Chatham, CAN - 25 May 1858

We are completely nailed down at present, for want of funds, and we may be obliged to remain inactive for months yet

Osawatomie, KS - 9 September 1858

Things are now very quiet, so far as I know. What course I shall next take, I cannot tell, till I have more strength.

Osawatomie, KS - 13 September 1858

I hope you will all learn to put your trust in God, and not become discouraged when you meet with poor success and with losses.

Ottumwa - 7 October 1858

You are hereby notified that I hold claims against the National Kansas Committee which are good against them and all persons whatever

Osawatomie, KS - 11 October 1858

I can now see no good reason why I should not be located nearer home, as soon as I can collect the means for defraying expenses.

Moneka, KS - 1 November 1858

Things at this moment look rather threatening in this immediate neighborhood ; but what will come up I cannot say.

Moneka, KS - 1 November 1858

How soon I shall be able to see you again, I cannot tell, but I still live in hopes.

Osawatomie, KS - 2 December 1858

Dear children... In some of the border counties south, there is the worst feeling at this time, which affords but little prospect of quiet.

Osawatomie, KS - 11 January 1859

Dear children... I have but a moment in which to tell you that I am in middling health

Tabor, IA - 10 February 1859

I am once more in Iowa, through the great mercy of God.

Springdale, IA - 2 March 1859

I confidently expect to be able to send you some help about team, etc., in a very few days.

Westport, NY - 16 April 1859

Had a first-rate time at Peterboro ; got of Mr. Smith and others nearly one hundred and sixty dollars

Boston, MA - 13 May 1859

I wrote you from Troy last week, saying I had sent on the balance of articles I intended to buy...

Boston, MA - 16 May 1859

They must none of them think I have been slack to try and urge forward a delicate and very difficult matter.

Boston, MA - 19 May 1859

...I think it quite certain that I shall very soon be off for the southwest...

Keexe, NY - 9 June 1859

After being delayed with sickness and other hindrances, I am so far on my way back...

Akron, OH - 23 June 1859

I now enclose five dollars to help you further about getting up a good loom. We start for the Ohio River to-day.

Chambersburg, PA - 30 June 1859

We leave here to-day for Harper's Ferry, via Hagerstown.

Chambersburg, PA - 12 July 1859

In quire for letters at Chambersburg for I. Smith & Sons, and write them at Harper's Ferry as soon as any does come.

Chambersburg, PA - 22 July 1859

Dear friends... Oliver, Martha, and Anne all got on safe on Saturday of the week they set out.

Chambersburg, PA - 27 July 1859

I need not say, do all your directing and sealing at home, and not at the post-office.

Chambersburg, PA - 0 August 1859

Dear friend...I forgot to say yesterday that your shipments of freight are received all in apparent safety ; but the bills are very high, and I begin to be apprehensive of getting into a tight spot

Chambersburg, PA - 2 August 1859

If Watson and D. should set out soon after getting this, it may be well. They will avoid saying anything on the road about North Elba...

Syracuse, NY - 11 August 1859

By the way, the impression prevails generally that a certain acquaintance of ours headed the party that visited St. J. in Missouri lately.

Chambersburg, PA - 16 August 1859

We all want to hear from you ; but we do not want you all to write, and you need only say all is well, or otherwise...

Syracuse, NY - 18 August 1859

... called on Dr. Howe, who, though I had no letter of introduction, received me most cordially. He gave me a letter to the friend who does business on Milk Street ...

Chambersburg, PA - 8 September 1859

I do not know what to advise about fattening the old spotted cow, as much will depend on what you have to feed her with ...

Chambersburg, PA - 1 October 1859

You must all send to John hereafter anything you want should get to us

Chambersburg, PA - 8 October 1859

If Martha and Anne have any money left after getting home, I wish it to be used to make all as comfortable as may be for the present.

Charleston, VA - 21 October 1859

I am here a prisoner, with several sabre-cuts in my head and bayonet-stabs in my body.

Charleston, VA - 31 October 1859

Your most kind letter has reached me, with the kind offer to come here and take care of me.

Charleston, VA - 31 October 1859

I suppose you have learned before this by the newspapers that two weeks ago to day we were fighting for our lives at Harper's Ferry

Charleston, VA - 1 November 1859

You know that Christ once armed Peter. So also in my case I think he put a sword into my hand...

Charleston, VA - 8 November 1859

I am supplied with almost everything I could desire to make me comfortable, and the little I do lack (some articles of clothing which I lost) I may perhaps soon get again.

Charleston, VA - 8 November 1859

When you get home, please enclose this to Mrs. John Brown, North Elba...

Charleston, VA - 12 November 1859

Dear brother... I would answer that my sons, as well as my wife and daughters, are all very poor...

Charleston, VA - 15 November 1859

I am very grateful for all the good feeling you express, and also for the kind counsels you give, together with your prayers in my behalf.

Charleston, VA - 15 November 1859

Your kind mention of some things in my conduct here which you approve is very comforting, indeed, to my mind.

Charleston, VA - 16 November 1859

...yet nothing can so effectually minister to my comfort as acts of kindness done to relieve the wants or mitigate the sufferings of my poor distressed family.

Charleston, VA - 17 November 1859

I am under many obligations to you and to your father for all the kindnesses you have shown me, especially since my disaster.

Charleston, VA - 19 November 1859

I suppose I am the first since the landing of Peter Brown from the Mayflower that has either been sentenced to imprisonment or to the gallows.

Charleston, VA - 21 November 1859

I am very glad to learn from yourself that you feel so much resigned to your circumstances, so much confidence in a wise and good Providence

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

Dear children... When and in what form death may come is but of small moment.

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

I intended to convey this idea, that it was my object to place the slaves in a condition to defend their liberties, if they would, with out any bloodshed...

Charleston, VA - 22 November 1859

Dear children... That is exactly the thing I have wished you all to do for me, to be cheerful and perfectly resigned to the holy will of a wise and good God.

Charleston, VA - 23 November 1859

Although you write to me as a stranger, the spirit you show towards me and the cause for which I am in bonds makes me feel towards you as a dear friend.

Charleston, VA - 24 November 1859

You have laid me and my family under many and great obligations. I hope they may not soon be forgotten.

Charleston, VA - 24 November 1859

I have but very little idea of the charges made against Mr. Griswold, as I get to see but little of what is afloat.

Charleston, VA - 25 November 1859

You will doubtless agree with me in this, that neither imprisonment, irons, nor the gallows falling to one's lot are of themselves evidence of either guilt, "infatuation, or madness."

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

it is exceedingly gratifying to learn from friends that there are not wanting in this generation some to sympathize with me and appreciate my motive, even now that I am whipped.

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

It (your effort) at any rate takes from my mind the greatest burden I have felt since my imprisonment...

Charleston, VA - 27 November 1859

I am obliged to occupy a part of what is probably my last Sabbath on earth in answering the very kind and comforting letters of sister Hand and son

Charleston, VA - 28 November 1859

I leave it to an impartial tribunal to decide whether the world has been the worse or the better for my living and dying in it.

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

I now get daily more than three times the number of kind letters I can possibly answer, I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of saying a few words to a stranger

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

Jeremiah G. Anderson was fighting bravely by my side at Harper's Ferry up to the moment when I fell wounded...

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

I have asked to be spared from having any weak or hypocritical prayers made over me when I am publicly murdered, and that my only religious attendants be poor little dirty, ragged, bareheaded, and barefooted slave boys and girls

Charleston, VA - 29 November 1859

It does indeed give me pleasure and the greatest encouragement to know of any efforts that have been made in behalf of my poor and deeply afflicted family.

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I am waiting the hour of my public murder with great composure of mind and cheerfulness

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I would most gladly comply with your request most kindly made in your letter of the 26th inst., but it came too late.

Charleston, VA - 30 November 1859

I have only time to give you the names of those that I know were killed of my company at Harper's Ferry...

Charleston, VA - 1 December 1859

I am very cheerful, in hopes of entering on a better state of existence in a few hours...

Charleston, VA - 1 December 1859

I give to my son John Brown, Jr., my surveyor's compass and other surveyor's articles

Charleston, VA - 2 December 1859

It is my desire that my wife have all my personal property not previously disposed of by me...