John Brown to Horatio N. Rust, April 25, 1857

Springfield, Mass., April 25, 1857.

H. N. Rust, Esq.

My Dear Sir, — I did not see you the other morning before I left, as I expected. Please hand line and draft to Mr. Blair at once. The sabre you got is the identical one taken from Lieutenant Brocket at Black Jack surrender. I would on no account have you buy it of me, as you really have done, but that I am literally driven to beg, — which is very humiliating.

Very respectfully your friend,

John Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 376-7

John Brown to Horatio N. Rust, April 16, 1857

Springfield, Mass., April 16, 1857.

H. N. Rust, Esq.

My Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 9th is received. Please forward to me by express the pistols you have received, and also send me with them the amount you had to pay on the whole package. Be kind enough to say to my friend Blair that I expect funds within a day or two to meet my engagement, and that I mean to call on him. Please direct the package to John (not Captain) Brown, care Massasoit House, Springfield, Mass. Did you receive the package for Selden H. Brown?

Very respectfully your friend,

John Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 376

Horatio N. Rust to John Brown, April 17, 1857

Collinsville, April 17, 1857.

Captain J. Brown.

Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 16th is just at hand. The pistols I shall send tomorrow morning. I received the package for S. Brown, and delivered it . The expense on the parcel was one dollar fifty, but I am very willing to pay that myself Your friends have sent the old stone to your place. Hoping to see you soon, I remain

Yours respectfully.

H. N. Rust.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 375