Akron, April 6, 1853.
I have thought a good deal how to arrange as well as
possible in regard to a home, should I live to go back to North Elba. I am a
good deal at a loss how to divide the land so as to accommodate both families
in the best way; and I wish to call your attention to that matter, as you may
perhaps be able to think of some way that will exactly suit all hands. I would
be glad if Henry will send me his views freely in regard to the following
questions, namely: Are you fond of the business or care of a sawmill? Are there
any springs on that part of the lot lying east of the river, so situated as to
accommodate a family on that side; or do you think there is a prospect of
getting a good well where the strip is of some width, and the face such as
would be convenient to build on? Would you divide the land by the river, or by
a line running east and west? Will it be any damage to you if you defer
building your house until we can hit on some plan of dividing the land, or at
least for another year? If I was sure of going back next spring I should want
to get some logs peeled for a house, as I expect to be quite satisfied with a
log-house for the rest of my days. Perhaps by looking over the land a little
with a view to these things, you can devise a plan that will suit well. I do
not mean to be hard to please; but such is the situation of the lot, and so
limited are my means, that I am quite at a loss. Will it be convenient to have
the ground that is gone over on the east side of the river got into grass this
season? . . . I can think of but little to write that will be worth reading.
Wishing you all present and future good, I remain,
Your affectionate
father,
John Brown.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 109
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