John Brown to John Brown Jr., March 24, 1846

RICHMOND, JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO, March 24, 1846.

DEAR SON, — I am out among the wool-growers, with a view to the next summer's operations. Left home about a week ago; all were then in middling health except some very hard colds. I expect to be out some three or four weeks yet, and on that account do not know as I shall be able to hear from you and Ruth until I get home. Hope to hear from you then. Mr. Perkins came home a day or two after you left, full in the faith of our plan, having completed our arrangements. Our plan seems to meet with general favor. Jason and I have talked of a visit to Canada on our return next fall. We would like to know more about that country. We should be glad to hear something from George Delamater, and to know where he is, and what he really means to be. You may, if you think best, say so to him, and tell him we have not forgotten him. Our unexampled success in minor affairs might be a lesson to us of what unity and perseverance might do in things of some importance. If you learn of any considerable wool-dealers or wool-growers, you can use the circular¹, and more may be sent if best; of that you can judge after a little inquiry. I may write you again before I go home. Say to Ruth, to be all that to-day which she intends to be to-morrow.

Your father,

JOHN BROWN.

__________

¹ The "circular" mentioned in the last letter is the following, first issued in 1846, and written by Brown:

THE UNDERSIGNED, commission wool-merchants, wool-graders, and exporters, have completed arrangements for receiving wool of growers and holders, and for grading and selling the same for cash at its real value, when quality and condition are considered. Terms for storing, grading, and selling will be two cents per pound, and about one mill per pound additional for postage and insurance against loss by fire. These will cover all charges. Those consigning wool to us should pay particular attention to the marking of their sacks; near one end of each sack should be marked in plain characters, “From” (here give the owner's name in full, together with the No. and weight of each bale). On the side of each sack direct to Perkins & Brown, Springfield, Mass.

REFERENCES.

Persons wishing for information in regard to our responsibility, punctuality, etc., are referred to the following gentlemen: —

HON. JEREMIAH H. HALLOCK, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio.

ADAM HELDENBRAND, Esq., Massillon, Stark County, Ohio.

JAMES W. WALLACE, Esq., Brandywine Mills, Summit County, Ohio.

MATTHEW McKEEVER, Esq., West Middletown,Washington Co., Penn.

JOHN SMART, Esq., Darlington, Beaver County, Penn.

FRED’K BRANDT, Esq., Germano, Harrison County, Ohio.

BISHOP ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, Bethany College, Va.

J. D. & W. H. LADD, Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio.

H. T. KIRTLAND, Esq., Poland, Trumbull County, Ohio.

JOHN K. JONES, Esq., Vernon. N. Y.

AUSTIN B. WEBSTER, Esq., Vernon, Oneida County, N. Y.

WILLIAM PATTERSON, Esq., Patterson's Mills, Washington County, Penn.

JAMES PATTERSON, Esq., Patterson's Mills, Washington County, Penn.

SAMUEL PATTERSON, Esq., Patterson's Mills, Washington County, Penn.

JESSE EDDINGTON, Esq., Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio.

PATTERSON & EWING, Burgettstown, Washington County, Penn.

WM. BROWNLEE, Esq., Washington, Washington County, Penn.

FRED’K KINSMAN, Esq., Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.

HEMAN OVIATT, Esq., Richfield, Summit County, Ohio.

VAN R. HUMPHREY, Esq., Hudson, Summit County, Ohio.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS., 1846.

PERKINS & BROWN.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 62-3