Ripley, Va., April 27, 1840.
. . . I like the country as well as I expected, and its
inhabitants rather better; and I have seen the spot where, if it be the will of
Providence, I hope one day to live with my family. . . . Were the inhabitants
as resolute and industrious as the Northern people, and did they understand how
to manage as well, they would become rich; but they are not generally so. They
seem to have no idea of improvement in their cattle, sheep, or hogs, nor to
know the use of enclosed pasture-fields for their stock, but spend a large
portion of their time in hunting for their cattle, sheep, and horses; and the
same habit continues from father to son. . . . By comparing them with the people of
other parts of the country, I can see new and abundant proof that knowledge is
power. I think we might be very useful to them on many accounts, were we so
disposed. May God in mercy keep us all, and enable us to get wisdom; and with
all our getting or losing, to get understanding!
Affectionately yours,
John Brown
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 134
No comments:
Post a Comment