Lawrence, K. T., June 24, 1857.
My Dear Friend,
— I received your letter, dated from Ohio the 9th instant, a few days ago. I
fear I shall not be able to meet you at Tabor. I have just received (on the
13th) the task of superintending and taking the census for the State election.
As means are limited, those who can must do this. I have therefore assumed the
task, which will require my presence and most active efforts until the 15th of
July. I have tried to arrange it so as to get off for a week; but it is
impossible without a sacrifice of duty. Should it be so, or if no one else can
go, I will still try. Holmes I have seen; he is busy, and will not be able to
come up. Several of those you mentioned are gone, and others cannot go to
Tabor. I sent a message to Osawatomie, and enclosed your letter to Mr. Adair;
told him that Holmes and the others could not go, and urged that some go from
Osawatomie, if possible. I have not yet heard from him. I start to Osawatomie
when I finish this; I will make it on my round, appointing deputies and taking
the census. Two young men from this place have promised me that they will go if
possible; but they have no horses, and horses cannot be hired for such a
journey. I still hope to have a few friends at Tabor to meet you in a week.
As to your future action, for fear I should be prevented
from going to meet you, let me say I think you should come into Kansas,
provided you desire to do so. I think it will be our duty to see you protected.
There is no necessity for active military preparations at this time; but so far
as you have the elements of defence at your command, I think they are safer
with you than with any one else. Your old claim has, I believe, been
jumped. If you do not desire to contest it, let me suggest that you make a new
settlement at some good point, of which you will be the head. Lay off a town
and take claims around it. You would thus rally round you a class of useful
men, who could be prepared for an emergency at the same time that they
furthered their own interests, which they have a right to do. Any information I
could render as to the best sites or otherwise you may cheerfully call upon.
Should I not be able to come to meet you, I hope at least to see you shortly
after you enter. I have not time to detail the present condition of the
Free-State party.
Until I see you,
adieu. Respectfully,
William A. Phillips.
James Smith.1
_______________
1 Indorsed by John Brown: “William A. Phillips.
Requires no reply. No. 1.” The tone of this letter shows how Brown was regarded
in Kansas as the custodian of arms, — which, of course, was the “furniture”
mentioned by Mr. Whitman.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 397-8
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