Charles Partridge, a Spiritualist, to John Brown, November 21, 1859

New York, November 21.

My Dear Sir: Although I am not personally acquainted with you, yet your history, as given through the public press, your letters, your stern integrity and unconquerable zeal for what you deem to be truth and righteousness, enlist my sympathies for you in your present trying situation; and also in the Spirit World into which you soon expect to be ushered.

So far as I understand your principles in regard to freedom and physical slavery, I think you are right; but, at the same time, my present view of the case is, you was wrong in the method by which you proposed to incarnate your principles in those who enslave and those who are held subject to bondage. But whether I agree or disagree with your method, it is of no consequence now. My chief object in writing is, first, to inform you that I have abundant evidence that hanging does not kill a man, or prevent his influence in urging forward the worthy humanitary purposes of his affection in the earth; and I write now to solicit from you this favor, namely, if you go into the Spirit Realm before I do, that you will from your new and elevated position, and with the aid of a broader comprehension of man's nature and relations, and of the consequences of this life on the Future One, review this whole subject of physical and mental slavery, and communicate the result, and your final conclusion of the whole matter, through some medium of your own choice, with directions for them to forward the same to my paper, The Spiritual Telegraph, or to The Tribune, or some other widely-circulated paper for publication.

I suggest for your consideration as a medium for such communication, Mrs. J— S—, No. —, S— D— Street, Buffalo, New York; or the medium at the circle where I attend every Thursday evening, at the corner of —— Avenue and M— S—, in the city of New York.

I am not aware that you have any knowledge that spirits communicate with men, or that you have any sympathy with Spiritualism now, but I know you will have when you go hence; and then, if not now, please take these suggestions kindly into consideration for the edification and elevation of humanity, and the incarnation of the Divine Order among men on the earth.

You are at liberty to make me instrumental in forwarding any communication you please to make from the Spirit Land to your loving family, or friends on earth.

Now, sir, I bid you an affectionate good-by, until I hear from you in time or from the Spirit World, or meet you there and perchance make your personal acquaintance.

May you, now and ever, have the consolations which flow from a true religious life and humanitary motives and efforts, which lift men above the errors in judgment, methods, and temporal consequences, into the comprehension of the Divine Beatitudes which overrule all things to the glory of God and human progress.

Charles Partridge.

I mail to your address a few copies of The Spiritual Telegraph, for your perusal.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 393-4