Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to his brother Henry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07231.09 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Springdale, Iowa Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 August 1858 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope Order a Copy
Elaborates on abolitionist efforts in Kansas. Justifies violence citing the number of slaves who are "murdird" each year. Continues that war is just when in self defense and liberty must be absolute, quoting Patrick Henry: "Give me liberty or give me death." Refers to "trator" Hugh Forbes, who was a foil to Brown's efforts in Kansas.
Spring Dale Cedar Co. Iowa
Aug: 2th 1858
My Dear Brother
It seames a long time since I had a lettor from you. I have been traveling about so much that I'v not been able to write oftiner.
I think I told you before that I was in the cause of human Freedom, but I did not give you the particklures. we left Kansas to strike slavory at the heart, and we had things all arrianged to do it, and would of done so, but for a trator. one of the party had a falling out with the head one and for gold turned trator to himself his country and his god. you may think it not best to do it by the sword, but I tell you it never will be done away except by the sword. and every year it is getting worse, and then think of the thousands who are murdired yearly, you are aware of how they do things down south. I suppose you know I suppose that they warke there slaves on those big plantations hard enouf to kill them in seven years, they can make the most out of them in that way, so you see there is thousands of them murderd yearly, and would you not think it best to do away with slavory in a year or two by loosing a few thousands in war than to have thousands of them murdird yearly [2] for god knowes how many years, and to think how meny of them have been murdird before this. I am a ganst war, except in self defence, and then I am like Pattrick Henry, when he sayd "give me Liberty or give me death," I donot think we shall be able to go on with it this year, but I think the time is a coming when it will be done. it leavs us in rather bad circumstances for we had sackrafised all we had to the cause, but we are willing to give up life it self for the good of humanity.
how is the times in Minesoti I suppose they are about the same as else where. I have not heard from Father for a long time nor eny of the rest of our folkes. I had a letter from Lemuel about four months ago, he was well then I would like to see him very much and O, how I wish we could all meet once more.
give my love to your wife, and tell her I should like to see her very much, you must excuse me for writing this short lettor.
I will send you my likness, it is not a very good one, but then you can see how I look some what. I wish you would send me yours and you will gratley ablige your
Loving Brother
A. D. Stevens
(Please write as soon as you get this)
[envelope]
Mr Henry E. Stevens
St Anthonys Falls
Minisoti
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