SPRINGFIELD, MASS., 5th
Feb., 1849.
DEAR FATHER, — I write you at this time more because you
said in your last that you "love letters more now than ever before,"
than on account of anything I have to write. We are here all middling well,
except our youngest child, who has been quite feeble since last fall. Owen's
arm seems to be improving slowly. We have been selling wool middling fast of
late, on contract, at 1847 prices. We have in this part of the country the
strongest proofs that the great majority have made gold their hope, their
only hope. I think that almost every product of industry will soon
become high, from the fact alone that such a vast number of those who have
hitherto been producers will cease to be so, and hereafter, for a time
at least, be only consumers. I am inclined to think that persons who are
in debt, and who hold any property of value, are likely to have a most
favorable time to get out of debt. Would it not be well to have the word
go round amongst all the Browns, that they may get ready to sell off
enough of something to pay all debts? I really wish that Oliver and Frederick1
would take the hint, and when things get up (which I feel confident they will
do), go at once to selling off and paying up. There is no way of making money
so easy as by selling when every one wants to buy. It may cost us some little
sacrifice of feeling at first, but would open a new world almost, if
thoroughly done.
I have felt a good deal of anxiety about the injury you
received on your way home; was glad to hear that you was in any measure
comfortable. I did not intend to put off writing so long; but I always find it
exceedingly hard work to write when I have nothing to communicate that is worth
as much as the paper and postage. Your letters are not of so barren a
character; so that we shall not expect you to pay the postage when you
write, which we hope will be often.
Your affectionate but
unworthy son,
JOHN BROWN.
___________
1 His brothers, or cousins; not his sons.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 25
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