John Brown Jr. to John Henry Kagi, August 18, 1859

Syracuse, N. Y., Thursday, Aug. 18, 1859.

Friend Henrie, — I am here to-day, so far on my way back from Boston, whither 1 went on Friday last. Found our Syracuse friend there, but his engagements were such that he could not possibly leave until yesterday morning. We reached here about twelve o'clock last night. While in Boston I improved the time in making the acquaintance of those stanch friends of our friend Isaac. First called on Dr. Howe, who, though I had no letter of introduction, received me most cordially. He gave me a letter to the friend who does business on Milk Street.¹ Went with him to his home in Medford, and took dinner. The last word he said to me was, “Tell friend Isaac that we have the fullest confidence in his endeavor, whatever may be the result.” I have met no man on whom I think more implicit reliance may be placed. He views matters from the standpoints of reason and principle, and I think his firmness is unshakable. The friend at Concord² I did not see; he was absent from home. The others here will, however, communicate with him. They were all, in short, very much gratified, and have had their faith and hopes much strengthened. Found a number of earnest and warm friends, whose sympathies and theories do not exactly harmonize; but in spite of themselves their hearts will lead their heads. Our Boston friends thought it better that our old friend from Syracuse³ should accompany me in my journey northward. I shall leave in an hour or two for Rochester, where I will finish this letter. I am very glad I went to Boston, as all the friends were of the opinion that our friend Isaac was in another part of the world, if not in another sphere. Our cause is their cause, in the fullest sense of the word.

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¹ George L. Stearns.

² Franklin B. Sanborn.

³ Jermain W Loguen.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 537-8

John Brown Jr. to John Henry Kagi, August 11, 1859

Syracuse, N. Y., Thursday, Aug. 11, 1859.

Friend J. Henrie, — Day before yesterday I reached Rochester. Found our Rochester friend¹ absent at Niagara Falls. Yesterday he returned, and I spent remainder of day and evening with him and Mr. E. Morton, with whom friend Isaac² is acquainted. The friend at Rochester will set out to make you a visit in a few days. He will be accompanied by that “other young man,” and also, if it can be brought around, by the woman¹ that the Syracuse friend could tell me of. The son will probably remain back for awhile. I gave “Fred’k”¹ twenty-two dollars to defray expenses. If alive and well, you will see him ere long. I found him in rather low spirits; left him in high. Accidentally met at Rochester Mr. E. Morton. He was much pleased to hear from you; was anxious for a copy of that letter of instructions to show our friend at “Pr.”,³ who, Mr. M. says, has his whole soul absorbed in this matter. I have just made him a copy and mailed him at R., where he expects to be for two or three weeks. He wished me to say to you that he had reliable information that a certain noted colonel, whose name you are all acquainted with, is now in Italy. By the way, the impression prevails generally that a certain acquaintance of ours headed the party that visited St. J. in Missouri lately. Of course I don't try to deny that which bears such earmarks. Came on here this morning. Found Loguen gone to Boston, Mass., and also said woman. As T. does not know personally those persons in Canada to whom it is necessary to have letters of introduction, he thinks I had better get him to go with me there. I have made up my mind, notwithstanding the extra expense, to go on to Boston. Loguen is expecting to visit Canada soon, anyway, and his wife thinks would contrive to go immediately. I think for other reasons, also, I had better go on to Boston. Morton says our particular friend Mr. Sanborn, in that city, is especially anxious to hear from you; has his heart and hand both engaged in the cause. Shall try and find him. Our Rochester friend thinks the woman whom I shall see in Boston, “whose services might prove invaluable,” had better be helped on. I leave this evening on the 11.35 train from here; shall return as soon as possible to make my visit at Chatham. Will write you often. So far, all is well. Keep me advised as far as consistent.

Fraternally yours,

John Smith.

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¹ F. Douglass. The “woman” spoken of was Harriet Tubman, a Maryland Deborah. “Fred’k” is also Douglass.

² John Brown.

³ Petersboro’.  “Our friend at Pr.” was Gerrit Smith, in whose family, it will he remembered, Edwin Morton was living; but he happened then to be visiting in Rochester.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 536-7

Diary of John Brown, September 9, 1859

Wrote wife, F. B. S[anborn], Frederick Douglass, James N. Gloucester, J. W. L[oguen]; also came on the 20th of September.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 520-1

Jermain Wesley Loguen to William Still, October 5, 1856

SYRACUSE, Oct. 5, 1856.

DEAR FRIEND STILL:— I write to you for Mrs. Susan Bell, who was at your city some time in September last. She is from Washington city. She left her dear little children behind (two children). She is stopping in our city, and wants to hear from her children very much indeed. She wishes to know if you have heard from Mr. Biglow, of Washington city. She will remain here until she can hear from you. She feels very anxious about her children, I will assure you. I should have written before this, but I have been from home much of the time since she came to our city. She wants to know if Mr. Biglow has heard anything about her husband. If you have not written to Mr. Biglow, she wishes you would. She sends her love to you and your dear family. She says that you were all kind to her. and she does not forget it. You will direct your letter to me, dear brother, and I will see that she gets it.

Miss F. E. Watkins left our house yesterday for Ithaca, and other places in that part of the State. Frederick Douglass, Wm. J. Watkins and others were with us last week; Gerritt Smith with others. Miss Watkins is doing great good in our part of the State. We think much indeed of her. She is such a good and glorious speaker, that we are all charmed with her. We have had thirty-one fugitives in the last twenty-seven days; but you, no doubt, have had many more than that. I hope the good Lord may bless you and spare you long to do good to the hunted and outraged among our brethren.

Yours truly,

J. W. LOGUEN,

Agent of the Underground Rail Road.

SOURCE: William Still, The Underground Railroad: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters &c., p. 158