Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) to Anne Brown Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03007.02 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D. (1831-1860) Place Written: Charlestown, Virginia Type: Letter Date: 1 March 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Likely copied in Anne Brown Adams' hand. Awaiting his execution "very cheerful and happy," he councils her to always try and do what is good, for "the better they do the higher they rise in happiness." Looks forward to "the other world" and meeting old friends there. Says Harrison, the assumed name of Albert Hazlett, is also awaiting his execution. Written from Charlestown Jail.
Aaron D. Stevens was one of the Harpers Ferry raiders. He was sentenced to hang March 16, 1860.
Albert Hazlett was one of the Harpers Ferry raiders. After escaping from Harpers Ferry he assumed the name William H. Harrison, and all the other raiders pretended not to know him. His ruse failed, and he was sentenced to hang March 16, 1860.
Anne Brown Adams was John Brown's daughter.
Charlestown Jail, Va, March 1st/60
My Dear Sister
Your letter of Feby, 26th came in due time and I was right glad to hear from you once more before I go to the land of Spirits. I hope you will cheer up and learn all you can, and help advance this world in truth and righteousness. There will always be a plenty to do for those who love goodness rather than evil. No person will ever grow tired of doing good, when they once get in that direction, and the glorious thought of rising higher in the Spirit land as we are better here, so if a person wishes to go into a high state of happiness when they leave this world, they must do what is right here, instead of making long prayers, and it is the same there as here, the better they do the higher they rise in happiness.
I am very cheerful and happy, patiently [2] waiting the hour of my departure.
Mr. Harrison also seems to look death in the face very calmly.
What joy there must be when meeting with friends in the other world. I have a great many friends in the Spirit land, and also a great many here, but they will all be traveling to the same land ere many years, and we shall meet again. You have [job] with a very good family, and I wish you much joy and happiness. Give my love to all those kind folks. You must excuse me for not writing a longer letter for I have a great many to write.
Goodbye, your Brother in the bonds of love and truth through all eternity.
A. D. Stevens
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