Akron, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1853.
Dear Children, — It was my
intention, on parting with John at Conneaut, to have written you soon; but as
Mr. Perkins (immediately on my return home) expressed a strong desire to have
me continue with him at least for another year, I have deferred it, in hopes
from day to day of being able to say to you on what terms I am to remain. His
being absent almost the whole time has prevented our making any definite
bargain as yet, although we have talked considerably about it. Our bargain will
not probably vary much from this, — namely, he to furnish land, stock of all
kinds, teams, and tools, pay taxes on lands, half the taxes on other property,
and furnish half the salt; I to furnish all the work, board the hands, pay half
the taxes on personal property put in, half the interest on capital on stock,
and half the insurance on same, and have half the proceeds of all grain and
other crops raised, and of all the stock of cattle, sheep, hogs, etc. He seems
so pleasant, and anxious to have me continue, that I cannot tear away from him.
He is in quite as good spirits since he came home as I expected. We are all in
good health; so also was father and other Hudson friends a few days ago. Our
sheep, cattle, etc., have done very well through the winter. Got a letter from
Ruth a few days ago. All appears well with them. She writes that they have had
quite a revival of religion there, and that Henry is one of the hopefully
converted. My earnest and only wish is, that those seeming conversions may prove
genuine, as I doubt not “there is joy over one sinner that repenteth.”
Will you write me?
Your affectionate father,
John Brown.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 154
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