Since the close of the last year we have confined our
operations to aiding those persons in Kansas who were, or intended to become
citizens of the territory, — believing that sufficient inducements to immigrate
existed in the prosperous state of affairs there; and we now believe that
should quiet and prosperity continue there for another year, the large influx
of Northern and Eastern men will secure the state for freedom. To insure the
present prosperity we propose:—
I. To have our legislature make a grant of one hundred
thousand dollars, to be placed in the hands of discreet persons, who shall use
it for the relief of those in Kansas who are, or may become, destitute through
Border-ruffian outrage. We think it will be done.
II. To organize a secret force, well armed, and under
control of the famous John Brown, to repel Border-ruffian outrage and defend
the Free-state men from all alleged impositions. This organization is strictly
to be a defensive one.
III. To aid by timely donations of money those parties of
settlers in the territory who from misfortune are unable to provide for their
present wants.
I am personally acquainted with Captain Brown, and have
great confidence in his courage, prudence, and good judgment. He has control of
the whole affair, including contributions of arms, clothing, etc. His presence
in the territory will, we think, give the Free-state men confidence in their
cause, and also check the disposition of the Border-ruffians to impose on them.
This I believe to be the most important work to be done in Kansas at the
present time. Many of the Free-state leaders, being engaged in speculations,
are willing to accept peace on any terms. Brown and his friends will hold to
the original principle of making Kansas free, without regard to private
interests. If you agree with me, I should like to have your money appropriated
for the use of Captain John Brown. If not that, the other proposition, to aid
parties of settlers now in the territory, will be the next best.
George L. Stearns.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 386-7 which states the date of this letter as May 18,
1857; Frank Preston Stearns, The Life and Public Services of George Luther
Stearns, p. 139-40 which dates the letter as May 10, 1857 for which I give more
weight being written by son of the letter’s author.
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