Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va., Dec. 2, 1859.
It is my desire that my wife have all my personal property
not previously disposed of by me; and the entire use of all my landed property
during her natural life; and that, after her death, the proceeds of such land
be equally divided between all my then living children; and that what would be
a child's share be given to the children of each of my two sons who fell at
Harper's Ferry; and that a child's share be divided among the children of my
now living children who may die before their mother (my present beloved wife).
No formal will can be of use when my expressed wishes are made known to my
dutiful and beloved family.
John Brown.
My Dear Wife, —
I have time to enclose the within and the above, which I forgot yesterday, and
to bid you another farewell. “Be of good cheer,” and God Almighty bless, save,
comfort, guide, and keep you to the end!
Your affectionate
husband,
John Brown.
SOURCES: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters
of John Brown, p. 617
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