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Thompson, Dauphin A. (1838-1859) to his brother and sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06471 Author/Creator: Thompson, Dauphin A. (1838-1859) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 September 1859 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20 x 16.3 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses preparations for the raid on Harper's Ferry. Never mentions a raid, or any specific plans, but states "we have not got ready to begin operations yet." Also does not reveal his location, saying he is writing from "parts unknown." Discusses a religious meeting of the anti-slavery "winebenarians" (Winbrennians). Worries that "we have to be very careful how we act in everything we have one colored man in our company who has been seen by a woman but she thinks he is a fugitive slave and that we are trying to help him onto his freedom," and thinks she will not report them. Also in preparation "I have been over into Virginia several times" and found plantations with many slaves. Of his family and those at North Elba says "I suppose the folks think we are a set of fools but they will find out that we know what we are about." The raid on Harpers Ferry would occur just over a month later.

Dauphin Thomson was a member of John Brown's band that raided Harper's Ferry. His brother Henry was Brown's son in law. He was killed during the raid.

Thompson, Dauphin Adolphus, 1838-1859
Brown, John, 1800-1859

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