Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07231.08 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Springdale, Iowa Type: Autograph note signed Date: 8 April 1858 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope Order a Copy
Reminisces about childhood. Gives news of travels "all over New Mexico Kansas Nebraska Iowa and some in Illinois & Indiana." Outlines his commitment to the cause of "Human Freedom," saying "[I] expect to be in it untill slavery is done away in the United States, at least and I hope it will not be long now, untill every slave shall be free if it cost half of there masters." Lastly, mentions that he is also a "woman rights man."
Spring Dale Cedear Co: Iowa April 8th 1858
My Dear Sister
With pleasure I sit down to write you a few lines hoping they will find you in good health. It seams a long time since I saw you last and you must be allmost a Woman, by this time. you cannot immagain what pleasure it would give me to see you, and all the rest of my Friends. Eddy too must be quite a man by this time. I have not forgotten how we used to go to Church together, and allso the way I used to ride you on my lap.
I have been travling about considerable cince I left home. I have been all over New Mexico Kansas Nebraska Iowa and some in Illinois & Indianna [2] and for the last three years I have been in the cause of Human Freedom, and expect to be in it untill slavery is done away in the United States, at least and I hope it will not be long now, untill every slave shall be free if it cost half of there masters.
I expect to be in a short time where death is verry unseartain, but I hope for the best. I am ready to give up my life for the oppreast if needs be.
I hope I shall have your simpithy and good will in this glorous cause, and if no axident happens I shall be home in about a year from this time. keep up good curredg and get all the learning you can, for I am a woman rights man, and I hope you will stand up for the cause. and with these few lines I bid you good by. give my love to Father Mother Eddy and all inquiring Friends. Your loving Brother
A.D. Stevens
[envelope]
Miss Adaline Stevens
Norwich Town
Conn
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