 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Here is the full entry for your selection:
Gilder Lehrman Document Number:
GLC02454
Title: to Owen Brown
Author: Brown, John (1800-1859)
Year: 1855/12/05
Place: Osawatomie, Kansas
Type of document: Autograph letter signed
Quotation: "We feel more, & more certain that Kansas will be a Free State"
Description: Brown discusses the free state struggle, and reports there are rumors of a free state man being murdered, and that it may lead to more violence. Says "We feel more, & more certain that Kansas will be a Free State." Also discusses family affairs, health, and his plan to stay in Kansas at least until spring. Bottom of the page and all of the second page are written by Samuel and Florilla Adair, with the end of their letter missing. They recount how the murder of the free state man happened, state that it is leading to war, and discuss the buildup of armed forces. The man murdered was named Charles Dow, he was shot by Franklin N. Coleman, and what followed was called the Wakarusa War. Despite large forces built up on both sides, there was no real battle at the time, and major fighting in Kansas was still months away.
Full Text: 5 December 1855 Osawatomie Kansas Territory Dear Father We just received your very kind & most welcome letter dated at Hadsworth Nov. 16th. I feel very thankful for the interest you still take in the different numbers of my numerous family & for all your efforts to do them good in things spiritual & temporal. I did suppose fall provision had been made (by way of cattle to be sold for me in Connecticutt for those at North Elba, but it seems they had received nothing from that source when they applied to you for help. I still hope they are relieved from that quarter before now; & I would not have asked you to send assistance this way had I thought of your getting a call from them & would now say that if you have not already sent money to me do not by any means distress yourself; in order to do so; as we shall all doubtless get along if you do not. The health of all the companies of your connection here is some improved since I wrote last; & all some better provided with shelters for the cold & stormy weather. Mr. Adair & family all comfortable; but children not stout yet. Of the two companies at John & Aarons camps, all but three out of the twelve may be said to be middling well. Of those three Jason is much better; Henry Thompson & Oliver some little better; but quite feeble. We have also made some progress in building & securing hay, corn & corn fodder; so that I flatter myself that the animals will be got through the Winter middling well. The last ten or eleven days have all been pleasant with constant cold freezing nights. Previous to that we had some very sever storms of Rain forming into Ice as it fell. As I become a little more acquainted with this part of the Territory I think quite favorably of it & I would by no means advise those of my friends who are here to leave in search of a better country. We feel more & more certain that Kansas will be a Free State. At this moment there is quite an excitement here growing out as report says of the Murder of a young Free State man; by a Missourian. Large numbers on both sides are said to be in Arms near Lawrence & some anticipate a Bloody fight. We do not seem to get direct information of the true state of matters there & I think of going immediately there to learn the facts in the case. The distance is about 35 miles. I will endeavor to give you a more full account of the matter; if there should be much of it. I have no time fixed in my own mind as yet for my return; & have no thought of leaving before some time in the Spring. We are all very glad to learn of your good health; which we hope may be yet further spared & that you may still yet be numbered amongst our correspondents. You have ever been one of the most faithful & punctual correspondents. Shall have the balance for Mr. Adair or Florella to fill up if they are disposed to do so. May abundantly bless you in your great ago. Has your hearing improved any since I left? Your affectionate Son, John Brown
Annotation: Owen Brown was John Brown's father. Known as "Squire Brown" he was an abolitionist and a powerful force in John Brown's life. Samuel L. Adair was married to Florilla B. Adair, John Brown's half sister. He was a Congregational missionary and an abolitionist. John Brown lived with him for a period, and he was a strong supporter of Brown's struggle.
 Click here for copy request forms and visitor information
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
