I am trying to raise from twenty to twenty-five thousand
dollars in the free States, to enable me to continue my efforts in the cause of
freedom. Will the people of Connecticut, my native State, afford me some
aid in this undertaking? Will the gentlemen and ladies of Hartford, where I
make my first appeal in this State, set the example of an earnest effort? Will
some gentleman or lady take hold and try what can be done by small
contributions from counties, cities, towns, societies, or churches, or in some
other way? I think the little beggar-children in the streets are sufficiently
interested to warrant their contributing, if there was any need of it, to
secure the object. I was told that the newspapers in a certain city were
dressed in mourning on hearing that I was killed and scalped in Kansas, but I
did not know of it until I reached the place. Much good it did me. In the same
place I met a more cool reception than in any other place where I have stopped.
If my friends will hold up my hands while I live, I will freely absolve them
from any expense over me when I am dead. I do not ask for pay, but shall be
most grateful for all the assistance I can get.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 379
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