Akron, Nov. 2, 1854.
Dear Children,
— I feel still pretty much determined to go back to North Elba; but expect Owen
and Frederick will set out for Kansas on Monday next, with cattle belonging to
John, Jason, and themselves, intending to winter somewhere in Illinois. I
expect to set out for Albany to-morrow, and for Connecticut after the 8th. I
mean to go and see you before I return, if my money for expenses will hold out.
Money is extremely scarce, and I have been some disappointed, so that I do not
now know as I shall be able to go and see you at this time. Nothing but the
want of means will prevent me, if life and health are continued. Gerrit Smith
wishes me to go back to North Elba; from Douglass and Dr. McCune Smith I have
not yet heard. I shipped you a cask of pork containing 347 pounds clear pork,
on the 19th, directed to Henry Thompson, North Elba, Essex Co., N. Y., care C.
B. Hatch & Son, Westport. We are all in usual health.
Your affectionate
father,
John Brown
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 110-1
