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Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to Anne Brown Adams

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03007.01 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Charlestown, Virginia Type: Letter Date: 5 January 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

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 wounded in the jaw. Written from the Charlestown Jail. Says he is sharing a cell with Harrison, the name that Albert Hazlett had assumed. Likely copied in Anne Brown Adams' hand.

Aaron D. Stevens was one of the Harpers Ferry raiders. He was sentenced to hang March 16, 1860.
Albert Hazlett was one of the Harpers Ferry raiders. After escaping from Harpers Ferry he assumed the name William H. Harrison, and all the other raiders pretended not to know him. His ruse failed, and he was sentenced to hang March 16, 1860.
Anne Brown Adams was John Brown's daughter.

Charlestown Jail, Va, Jan, 5th/60

My Dear Sister Annie
Your kind letter came to hand today, and I will try and write you a few lines in return.
I am glad to see that you are so cheerful. It is always best not to give up to sorrow and sadness. I am quite cheerful and happy, never felt better in my life. It made me feel rather sad, to part with my companions, but I think they are in a better land, and that is a great comfort to me.
I was in the same room with your Father, he was very cheerful all the way through, and appeared as happy on the morning of his execution as I ever saw him. Watson was shot about a half minute before me, this was Monday about eleven o clock and he lived until Wednesday morning.
[2] I had a very hard time of it, for about four or five weeks, but I am as well now as ever, except my face is paralyzed on one side, which prevents me from laughing on that side, and my jaw bone was thrown out of place and my teeth do not meet as they did before, which prevents me from chewing any thing very fine.
The boys met this fate very cheerful, I cannot tell when I shall be tried, but I think in two or three weeks. I am very contented having a plenty of reading matter, through the kindness of Mrs. Spring and others.
Mr. Harrison is in the same room with me. We may never meet again here, but we will meet in the spirit land. Give my love to Martha, and all the friends.
Goodbye yours for the good
of all,
A. D. Stevens.

Stevens, Aaron Dwight, 1831-1860
Adams, Anne Brown, 1843-1926
Brown, John, 1800-1859

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