Wayland, Mass., Oct. 26, 1859
Governor WISE:
I have heard that you were a man of chivalrous sentiments, and I know you were
opposed to the iniquitous attempt to force upon Kansas a Constitution abhorrent
to the moral sense of her people. Relying upon these indications of honor and
justice in your character, I venture to ask a favor of you. Enclosed is a
letter to Capt. John Brown. Will you have the kindness, after reading it
yourself, to transmit it to the prisoner?
I and all my large circle of abolition acquaintances were
taken by surprise when news came of Capt. Brown’s recent attempt; nor do I know
of' a single person who would have approved of it, had they been apprised of
his intention. But I and thousands of others feel a natural impulse of sympathy
for the brave and suffering man. Perhaps God, who sees the inmost of our souls,
perceives some such sentiment in your heart also. He needs a mother or sister
to dress his wounds, and speak soothingly to him. Will you allow me to perform
that mission of humanity? If you will, may God bless you for the generous deed!
I have been for years an uncompromising Abolitionist, and I
should scorn to deny it or apologize for it as much as John Brown himself would
do. Believing in peace principles, I deeply regret the step that the old
veteran has taken, while I honor his humanity towards those who became his
prisoners. But because it is my habit to be as open as the daylight, I will
also say, that if I believed our religion justified men in fighting for
freedom, I should consider the enslaved every where as best entitled to that
right. Such an avowal is a simple, frank expression of my sense of natural
justice.
But I should despise myself utterly if any circumstances
could tempt me to seek to advance these opinions in any way, directly or
indirectly, after your permission to visit Virginia has been obtained on the
plea of sisterly sympathy with a brave and suffering man. I give you my word of
honor, which was never broken, that I would use such permission solely and
singly for the purpose of nursing your prisoner, and for no other purpose
whatsoever.
Yours, respectfully,
L. MARIA CHILD.
SOURCE: The American Anti-Slavery Society, Correspondence between L. M. Child and Gov.
Wise and Mrs. Mason, of Virginia, p. 3-4
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