Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to his brother Henry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07231.13 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Charlestown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope Order a Copy
Bids his brother farewell, with knowledge of his upcoming death. Encourages Henry to explore spiritiualism and to live rightly: "as you love yourself as you love man as you love woman, as you love god, work with your head heart and hands for the happiness of yourself and all the world." Written from Charlestown jail.
Charlestown Jail, Va: March 13th 1860
My ever Dear Brother,
I sit down for the last time, without, doubt to communicate a few thoughts to thee. I am in excellent health and very happy. Sister Lydia is with me, and she is brave as ever I was very glad to see her, it is [now] over nine years since I last saw her, it does not seem so long, how fast the time flies. I should like to see you my Dear Brother very much, but shall have to wait untill we meet in the Spirit world, what joy it will give me [inserted: to meet you] and all other kind friends there. I hope Dear Brother you will investigate the Spiritual theory far it is such pleasure to know that [2] we shall all meet sooner or later in the Spirit land, than mere belief. It has been very consoling to me during these trying times. I hope you will be one of those lovers of truth and right, and healp redeem the wourld from sin and oppression of all kinds, and as you love yourself as you [inserted: love] man, as you love woman, as you love god, work with your head, heart, and hands, for the happiness of yourself and all the world, be careful and not think too much of self, this is one great thing we all should conquer.
Give my love to your wife and little one and say Farewell.
Farewell my Dear Brother we meet again beyond the tomb, God bless you and yours.
A.D. Stevens
[envelope]
Mr. Henry E. Stevens.
Monticello
Minasota
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