Adams, Anne Brown (1843-1926) to Alexander M. Ross
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03007.20 Author/Creator: Adams, Anne Brown (1843-1926) Place Written: Rohnerville, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1888 Pagination: 6 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
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 engineer and she fears he may have drowned in heavy rain. Recipient inferred from content.
Anne Brown Adams was the daughter of John Brown.
Alexander M. Ross was a famous Canadian naturalist, also a prominent abolitionist and a strong supporter of John Brown.
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[1]…I can only recommend to you when you get heartsick and discouraged trying to revolutionize a world that does not want to be revolutionized, and instead of aiding in the work for their own benefit, put every obstacle they can in the way of those who are giving their time, means, and the best of their lives, for the sole good of others, to adopt my motto[inserted: s] "Be not weary in well doing," "Turn not thy back to the plow," [struck: "]The rewards and promises are for those who overcome, and endure to the end," …
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[2]…I remember my father telling us, one day at Kennedy Farm, that he often had spells that he "doubted every thing, felt discouraged and Godforsaken, and that he believed all true, earnest Christians had the same feelings." He said he often heard people claim that they always and at all times had "perfect faith", but I cannot quite believe, that they tell the exact truth." This he said slowly and impressively...
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