Joseph Dana Webster to Dr. Joseph P. Root, October 25, 1856

National Kansas Committee Rooms,

Chicago, Oct. 25, 1856.

Dear Sir, — We have requested Captain Brown to join you and give you the benefit of his counsel in reference to the safe transportation of your freight.¹ Colonel Dickey will also be able to assist you. We hope every precaution will be taken. Captain Brown says the immediate introduction of the supplies is not of much consequence compared to the danger of losing them. We trust your foresight and discretion will prevent any loss, and be of essential aid to the good cause.

Yours truly,

J. D. Webster.

DR. J. P. ROOT.

_______________

¹ This "freight" included the two hundred rifles sent forward in September by the Massachusetts Kansas Committee, and afterward carried by Brown to Virginia when he attacked Harper's Ferry.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 341-2