Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to his father
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07231.06 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Topeka, Kansas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 September 1857 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Order a Copy
Gives news of self in Topeka, the free state capital, and Colonelcy in Kansas War with promotion to brigadier general in Kansas "Millishey [militia]." Informs of "tearney [tyranny] … by the proslavery democracy of the United States," and the possibility of revolution to stop slavery. Jokes of society in Kansas that the poorest of men can approach Governor Walker. Requests news from home and hopes to visit at some point. Claims that he has "been going under the name of C Whipple."
Topeka Kansas Sept.
29th/57
Dear Father.
I take the present occasion, of writing a few lines to you, and beg pardon for not writing offiner. I do not Know what the reason is, but I almost hate to sit down to write a letter, I know I do not do rite by not writing offtiner, but you must excuse me I am living in Topeka the free state Cappitol, I am as usual in verry good health but rather poor in pocket having lost all I had last year in the Kansas war. but I think nothing of that I am willing to sacrifise [2] life at enny time when it is needed, in the cause of human freedom, to the world. I was a Col. all through the war last summer and now the have made me a brigadier genral in the Kansas millishey.
you cannot immagin what tearney there [inserted: is], used here in Kansas, by the proslavery Democery of the united States. I am assthonesed at this free country coming so near despotism before our fore Fathers blood has dride up. having spuilt it through out this broad land to secuere freedom, to themselves and there rising genrations, the govement of Grate Brittion is better than this at present, but I hope we shall be able to change this [3] goverment in 1860 if not there is nothing left but revolution, I do not know but geov Walker will bring it on this fall, but I hope not.
the free state men have desided to go into the Octtober elexiton, but if they carrey out those laws of tha[illegible] their will be no site for us, but we are all orgernized, and, intend to have our rights, if it is at the point of the baonet.
You would laff to see what kind of men Kansas is made up of. why I have seen the poorest of our laboring men talking with gov Walker about the afairs of Kansas, they would shet him up in five muinets talk, [4] but I have told you a nuff, for you must know too much allredey.
I shall not be able to come home this fall, but I am in hopes, I shall be able to meet you once more before we leave this wourld Give my love to Mother Addy & Eddy and tell them I hope to see them before menny years
Henry I have not heard from for a long time
Lyddia I heard from with sorrow Lemuell poor fellow where is he I exspect he has gone. but I hope not.
give my respetsx to all inquiring friends your loving Son
A.D. Stevens
[Written vertically along left margin of first page:]
I believe I told you that I had chansed my name before, if I did not I will now I have been going under the name of C. Whipple ever since I left the armey
Yours truley,]
[envelope]
Mr Aaron Stevens
Norwich Town
Conn
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