Sunday, August 10, 2014

John Brown to his Children, September 24, 1853

Akron, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1853.

Dear Children, — We received Henry's letter of the 16th August in due time, and when it came I intended to reply at once; but not being very stout, and having many things to look after, it has been put off until now. We were very glad of that letter, and of the information it gave of your health and prosperity, as well as your future calculations. We have some nice turkeys and chickens fattening, to be ready by the time you come on to Akron. Father and Jason were both here this morning. Father is quite well. Jason, Ellen, Owen, and Fred have all been having the ague more or less since I wrote before. Other friends are in usual health, I believe. We have done part of our sowing, got our fine crop of corn all secured against frosts yesterday, and are digging potatoes to-day. The season has been thus far one of great temporal blessing; and I would fain hope that the Spirit of God has not done striving in our hard hearts. I sometimes feel encouraged to hope that my sons will give up their miserable delusions and believe in God and in his Son our Saviour. I think the family are more and more decided in favor of returning to Essex, and seem all disposed to be making little preparations for it as we suppose the time draws near. Our county fair comes off on the 12th and 13th October, but we suppose we can hardly expect you so soon. Should be much pleased to have you here then. . . .

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 154-5

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