John Brown to Rebecca Buffum Spring,* November 8, 1859

Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va., Nov. 8, 1859.

Mrs. Rebecca B. Spring.

My Dear Friend, — When you get home, please enclose this to Mrs. John Brown, North Elba, Essex County, N. Y. It will comfort her broken heart to know that I received it. Captain Avis will kindly let you see what I have written her. May the God of my fathers bless and reward you a thousandfold; and may all yours be partakers of his infinite grace!

Yours ever,

John Brown.

Nov. 9.

P. S. Will try to write you at your home. I forgot to acknowledge the receipt of your bounty. It is hard for me to write, on account of my lameness.

Yours in truth,

J. B.

_______________

* “Written by John Brown on the back of a note sent by him to Mrs. Marcus Spring. This note and indorsement is now in my possession.” — James Freeman Clarke, January, 1883.

SOURCES: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 587