Osawatomie, K. T., Feb. 1, 1856.
Dear Wife And Children, Every One, — Yours and Watson's letters to the boys and myself, of December 30
and January 1, were received by last mail. We are all very glad to hear again
of your welfare, and I am particularly grateful when I am noticed by a letter
from you. I have just taken out two letters for Henry [Thompson], one of
which, I suppose, is from Ruth. Salmon and myself are so far on our way home
from Missouri, and only reached Mr. Adair's last night. They are all well, and
we know of nothing but all are well at the boys' shanties. The weather
continues very severe, and it is now nearly six weeks that the snow has been
almost constantly driven, like dry sand, by the fierce winds of Kansas. Mr.
Adair has been collecting ice of late from the Osage River, which is nine and a
half inches thick, of perfect clear solid ice, formed under the snow. By means
of the sale of our horse and wagon, our present wants are tolerably well met,
so that, if health is continued to us, we shall not probably suffer much. The
idea of again visiting those of my dear family at North Elba is so calculated to
unman me, that I seldom allow my thoughts to dwell upon it, and I do not think
best to write much about it; suffice it to say, that God is abundantly able
to keep both us and you, and in him let us all trust. We have just learned of
some new and shocking outrages at Leavenworth, and that the Free-State people
there have fled to Lawrence, which place is again threatened with an attack.
Should that take place, we may soon Again be called upon to “buckle on our
armor,” which by the help of God we will do, — when I suppose Henry and Oliver
will have a chance. My judgment is, that we shall have no general disturbance
until warmer weather. I have more to say, but not time now to say it: so
farewell for this time. Write!
Your affectionate husband and father,
John Brown.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 222
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