Horace White to John Brown, March 21, 1857

Chicago, March 21, 1857.

Captain John Brown.

My Dear Friend, — I find it quite impossible to prepare a schedule of the property which belongs to you under the New York resolution. It can only be ascertained in the Territory. I am going there myself about the first of next month, and I need not say that yon may command my services at all times. Mr. Arny is there, and with the help of him and Mr. Whitman we shall probably be able to secure everything. At any rate we will work for it. Please let me hear how you are prospering. Write me a line directed to Chicago. If I am not here it will be forwarded to me. State when you expect to be in Kansas. If you should think it undesirable to have one of your letters sent through Missouri, you need not sign your name to it. I shall know the handwriting. I anticipate perilous times; and when the Philistines are upon us, I may possibly be found carrying a bayonet on the right side.

Very truly,

Horace White.

P. S. I suppose the Boston people will fix you out with a return ticket. Perhaps it may not be amiss to send you the enclosed note. If you have other means of procuring just as well a free ticket, I would prefer you would not use this, because the railroads have done very liberally by us, and I do not wish to seem to be bleeding them. I would rather no one but yourself should have the benefit of the enclosed, because our credit with the companies for the future depends somewhat upon the fairness which they experience this summer.¹

Again very truly,

H. W.

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¹ The note enclosed runs thus :—

Office National Kansas Committee, 11 Marine Bank Building,

Chicago, March 21,1857.

Dear Sir, — Allow me to Introduce Captain John Brown, of Osawatomie, Kansas Territory. If you could consistently give him a trip pass over your road it would be regarded a special favor by the committee, and a personal one to most of us. We shall not be in the habit of making such requests, but in the present instance it is peculiarly wanted, and will be rightly appreciated.

Very respectfully,

Horace White,

Assistant Secretary N. K. Committee.

To C. B. Greenouoh, Esq,, General Ticket Agent, New York & Erie Railroad, New York.

William R Barr, Esq., General Agent Lake Shore Railroad, Buffalo, N. Y.

Dudley P. Phelps, Esq., General Ticket Agent, Michigan Southern Railroad, Toledo, Ohio.

Upon which is the following indorsement in the handwriting of John Brown: “Horace White, March 21, 1857.”

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 361-2

Horace White to John Brown, February 18, 1857

Office National Kansas Committee,

11 Marine Bank Building, Chicago, Feb. 18, 1857.

John Brown, Esq.

My Dear Sir, — The articles specified in the schedule and order which you gave me in New York will be forwarded next week. I think we shall be able to make out the whole number required, filling the blanks with 100. They will be shipped as directed, and freight paid through. Mr. Jones has been notified to expect them. We hope to hear from you soon.

Very truly,

Horace White,

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 361

Horace White to John Brown, January 27, 1857

Astor House, New York, Jan. 27, 1857.

Captain John Brown.

Dear Sir, — I am unable yet to give you the schedule of articles which the committee propose placing in your hands. Please address me at Chicago, stating whether a letter may he still sent to you at the Massasoit House. It will be necessary for me to examine shipping-books, etc., in our office at Chicago. I brought your matters before the notice of the committee yesterday. Resolutions were passed directing the secretary to instruct Mr. Jones, of Tabor, to retain the supplies, etc., in his hands until you had made your selections. Resolutions were also adopted empowering me to ship clothing, boots, etc., to you at Tabor, which will be done on the opening of navigation.

Very truly,

Horace White.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 360-1

Horace White to John Brown, October 26, 1856

Office National Kansas Committee,

Chicago, Oct. 26, 1856.

Captain Brown, — We expect Mr. Arny, our general agent, just from Kansas, to be in to-morrow morning. He has been in the Territory particularly to ascertain the condition of certain affairs for our information. I know he will very much regret not having seen you. If it is not absolutely essential for you to go on to-night, I would recommend you to wait and see him. I shall confer with Colonel Dickey on this point. Rev. Theodore Parker, of Boston, is at the Briggs House, and wishes very much to see you.

Yours truly,

Horace White, Assist. Sec., etc.

P. S. If you wish one or two of those rifles,¹ please call at our office between three and five this afternoon, or between seven and eight this evening.

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¹ These were perhaps from the Massachusetts stock of rifles, but most likely belonged to another lot which was then on its way to Kansas.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 342