Ross, Alexander Milton, 1832-1897 Collection of John Brown documents from Alexander M. Ross [Decimalized .01-.56]

to Anne Brown Adams

One letter from Aaron D. Stevens to Anne Brown Adams dated January 5, 1860. Awaiting his upcoming trial and execution, and recalls the deaths of John Brown and other Harpers Ferry raiders. Says "The boys met their fate very cheerful." Was badly...

GLC03007.01

to Anne Brown Adams

Likely copied in Anne Brown Adams' hand. Awaiting his execution "very cheerful and happy," he councils her to always try and do what is good, for "the better they do the higher they rise in happiness." Looks forward to "the other world" and meeting...

GLC03007.02

to Anne Brown Adams [Fragment]

Likely copied in Anne Brown Adams' hand. Written to one of John Brown's sons as well, addressed simply to "My Dear Brother." Portion of the letter written to the son states Stevens is awaiting execution, ready to die, and looking forward to the...

GLC03007.03

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks Ross for two photographs of his fathers last written words. Requests more copies of this photograph for other family members, and says many people request his father's autograph.

GLC03007.04

to Alexander M. Ross

Encloses "one of the Commissions issued to my Father's men. I know of the existence of only two of them. These were brought back by my brother Owen," who wishes they be returned once Ross has made copies of them. One commission was signed by John...

GLC03007.05

to Alexander M. Ross

States that he is enclosing a letter from John Brown, intended for the recipient's son. Recipient inferred from content.

GLC03007.06

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Second page of a two page letter, first page missing. Thanks the recipient for sending him a copy of "The Lincoln Memorial Album." Says the recipient's contribution to the book "interested me greatly" and that "I had not before quite understood...

GLC03007.07

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for "placing my father before the world in his true light" with "a truthful and just estimate of his character and motives" in his writings for the public. Mentions that she was with John Brown just two weeks before his raid, and that she...

GLC03007.08

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for the books he sent, offers to send him "curiosities" from California, such as plants. Praises him for his friendship with and appreciation of Thoreau.

GLC03007.09

to Alexander M. Ross

Inquires after an extra copy of a pamphlet detailing the events which took place in Harper's Ferry. She details information of the publisher, Osborn P. Anderson, a free Black man who was with Brown at Harper's Ferry. Expresses hope that Anderson was...

GLC03007.10

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses local plant life, her obligations as a mother, and his friendship with her father.

GLC03007.11

to Alexander M. Ross

Apologizes for a delay in her response. States that she was busy with family concerns to write often. Also mentions that she would not have taken the vaccine given for smallpox.

GLC03007.12

to Alexander M. Ross

One lettera ddressed to Alexander M. Ross from Anne Brown Adams dated January 16, 1886. Mentions hardships of motherhood and awaiting word from a publisher to printpapers that she spent. Thanks him for suggesting soda as a remedy for her sore throat...

GLC03007.13

to Alexander M. Ross

One letter from Anne Brown Adams to Alexander M. Ross dated July 31, 1887. Pertains to one of her children receiving a vaccaniation, their illness and her opinion of Franklin Sanborn's book which mentions her father. Cannot believe "that people would...

GLC03007.14

to Alexander M. Ross

One letter addressed to Alexander Ross from Anne Brown Adams dated July 31, 1887. Mentions the health of her children and reading The Life of Frederick Douglass. Does not find truth in Douglass's account of meeting John Brown. Believes that Uncle Tom...

GLC03007.15

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses the Alcott family in Concord and her approval of sick patients eating very little. Inquires after the Alcott family, with whom she used to live. Mentions Louisa May Alcott. States her firm belief that underfeeding sick patients can be...

GLC03007.16

to Garibaldi Ross

Brief biographies of the men involved in the raid on Harpers Ferry, and discussion of her job keeping house for the men as they prepare. Writes to Alexander Ross' son, because "Your father has requested me to tell you the story of my life at, or...

GLC03007.17

to Alexander M. Ross

Discussing newspaper articles related to her father, John Brown, and others' opinions of him. "I find now, since all the men who had any knowledge of his affairs, have written recollections and confessions, that he told me more of his plans than he...

GLC03007.18

to Alexander M. Ross

Knows that John Brown first conceived of raiding Harpers Ferry before going to Kansas, no matter what magazines say. Reporters "say 'It is impossible to trace exactly how and when the Harper's Ferry invasion first took shape in John Brown's mind...

GLC03007.19

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses at length her faith in God, and how despair only makes it stronger, as her father taught her. Mentions smallpox incidents nearby and greater women's rights in California. Her oldest son, fifteen, has run off to become a locomotive...

GLC03007.20