Horace White to John Brown, March 21, 1857

Chicago, March 21, 1857.

Captain John Brown.

My Dear Friend, — I find it quite impossible to prepare a schedule of the property which belongs to you under the New York resolution. It can only be ascertained in the Territory. I am going there myself about the first of next month, and I need not say that yon may command my services at all times. Mr. Arny is there, and with the help of him and Mr. Whitman we shall probably be able to secure everything. At any rate we will work for it. Please let me hear how you are prospering. Write me a line directed to Chicago. If I am not here it will be forwarded to me. State when you expect to be in Kansas. If you should think it undesirable to have one of your letters sent through Missouri, you need not sign your name to it. I shall know the handwriting. I anticipate perilous times; and when the Philistines are upon us, I may possibly be found carrying a bayonet on the right side.

Very truly,

Horace White.

P. S. I suppose the Boston people will fix you out with a return ticket. Perhaps it may not be amiss to send you the enclosed note. If you have other means of procuring just as well a free ticket, I would prefer you would not use this, because the railroads have done very liberally by us, and I do not wish to seem to be bleeding them. I would rather no one but yourself should have the benefit of the enclosed, because our credit with the companies for the future depends somewhat upon the fairness which they experience this summer.¹

Again very truly,

H. W.

_______________

¹ The note enclosed runs thus :—

Office National Kansas Committee, 11 Marine Bank Building,

Chicago, March 21,1857.

Dear Sir, — Allow me to Introduce Captain John Brown, of Osawatomie, Kansas Territory. If you could consistently give him a trip pass over your road it would be regarded a special favor by the committee, and a personal one to most of us. We shall not be in the habit of making such requests, but in the present instance it is peculiarly wanted, and will be rightly appreciated.

Very respectfully,

Horace White,

Assistant Secretary N. K. Committee.

To C. B. Greenouoh, Esq,, General Ticket Agent, New York & Erie Railroad, New York.

William R Barr, Esq., General Agent Lake Shore Railroad, Buffalo, N. Y.

Dudley P. Phelps, Esq., General Ticket Agent, Michigan Southern Railroad, Toledo, Ohio.

Upon which is the following indorsement in the handwriting of John Brown: “Horace White, March 21, 1857.”

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 361-2