John Brown to Mrs. Mary Gale, November 30, 1859

Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va., Nov. 30, 1859.

Mrs. Mary GalE (or the writer of the writing).¹

Dear Friend, — I have only time to give you the names of those that I know were killed of my company at Harper's Ferry, or that are said to have been killed; namely, two Thompsons, two Browns, J. Anderson, J. H. Kagi, Stewart Taylor, A. Hazlett, W. H. Leman, and three colored men. Would most gladly give you further information had I the time and ability.

Your friend,

John Brown.

_______________

l Written to the sister of Charles Plummer Tidd, one of those who escaped with Owen Brown.

SOURCES: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 615

Diary of John Henry Kagi: Monday, October 10, 1859

Mr. Merriam came; went down with me to M .

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 549

Diary of John Henry Kagi: Tuesday, October 11, 1859

Dimas returned to Mrs. Ritner's. Wrote J. B., Jr. Saw Watson, and appointed meeting for Thursday eve. Saw Carlisle about purchases.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 549

Diary of John Henry Kagi: Wednesday, October 12, 1859

Wrote William Still. Wrote to S. Jones, sending men off. Leary and Copeland arrived.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 549

Diary of John Henry Kagi: Thursday, October 13, 1859

Received letter from Merriam, dated Baltimore.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 549

Diary of John Henry Kagi: Friday, October 14, 1859

Sent telegram to Merriam at Baltimore

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 549

John Brown Jr. to John Henry Kagi, September 8, 1859

West Andover, Sept. 8, 1859.

Friend Henrie, — I yesterday evening received yours of September 2, and I not only hasten to reply, but to lay its contents before those who are interested. . . . Through those associations which I formed in Canada, I am able to reach each individual member at the shortest notice by letter. I am devoting my whole time to our company business. Shall immediately go out organizing and raising funds. From what I even had understood, I had supposed you would not think it best to commence opening the coal banks before spring, unless circumstances should make it imperative. However, I suppose the reasons are satisfactory to you, and if so, those who own smaller shares ought not to object. I hope we shall be able to get on in season some of those old miners of whom I wrote you. Shall strain every nerve to accomplish this. You may be assured that what you say to me will reach those who may be benefited thereby, and those who would take stock, in the shortest possible time; so don't fail to keep me posted.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

There is a general dearth of news in this region. By the way. I notice, through the “Cleveland Leader,” that “Old Brown” is again figuring in Kansas. Well, every dog must have his day, and he will no doubt find the end of his tether. Did you ever know of such a high-handed piece of business? However, it is just like him. The Black Republicans, some of them, may wink at such things; but I tell you, friend Henrie, he is too salt a dose for many of them to swallow, and I can already see symptoms of division in their ranks. We are bound to roll up a good stiff majority for our side this fall. I will send you herewith the item referred to, which I clipped from the “Leader.”

Give regards to all, and believe me faithfully yours,

John.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 547-8

Oliver Brown to his Family, September 9, 1859

Parts Unknown, Sept. 9, 1859.

Dear Mother, Brother, And Sisters, — Knowing that you all feel deeply interested in persons and matters here, I feel a wish to write all I can that is encouraging, feeling that we all need all the encouragement we can get while we are travelling on through eternity, of which every day is a part. I can only say that we are all well, and that our work is going on very slowly, but we think satisfactorily. I would here say that I think there is no good reason why any of us should be discouraged; for if we have done but one good act, life is not a failure. I shall probably start home with Martha and Anna about the last of this month. Salmon, you may make any use of the sugar things you can next year. I hope you will all keep a stiff lip, a sound pluck, and believe that all will come out right in the end. Nell, I have not forgotten you, and I want you should remember me. Please, all write. Direct to John Henrie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Believe me your affectionate son and brother,

Oliver Smith.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 547

Joseph Dennis Harris to John Henry Kagi, August 22, 1859

Cleveland, Aug. 22, ‘59.

MY DEAR J. HENRIE:

I wrote you immediately on recept of your last letter, then went up to Oberlin to see Leary. I saw Smith, Davis, and Mitchell; they all promised and that’s all. Leary wants to provide for his family, Mitchell to lay his crop by; and all make such excuses until I am disgusted with myself and the whole negro set, GOD-DAM EM!

If you was here your influence would do something, but the moment you are gone all my speaking don’t amount to anything.

I will speak to Smith to-day. I know that Mitchell hasn’t got the money, and I have tried to sell my farm, and everything else, to raise money, but have — yet raised a cent. Charlie Langston says “it is too bad”; but what he will do, if anything, I don’t know. I wish you would write to him, for I believe he can do more good than I. Please write to him immediately, and I will give up the thing to him. I think, however, nothing will inspire them with sufficient confidence unless you come. I will, however, do all I can.

Truly,

J. D. H.

Charlie goes to see Leary to-day.

SOURCES: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 541; Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts from January 1, 1836 to April 15, 1869; Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, Volume 11, p. 334-5; Governor's Message and Reports of the Public Officers of the State, of the Board of Directors, and the Superintendents, and Other Agents of Public Institutions or Interests of Virginia, Part 1, p. 140; William Cheek & Aimee Lee Cheek, John Mercer Langston and the Fight for Black Freedom, 1829-65, p. 377, note 12.

John Brown Jr. to John Henry Kagi, August 17, 1859

[Rochester, New York August 17, 1859.]

On my way up to our friend's¹ house, I met his son Lewis, who informs me that his father left here on Tuesday, August 16, via New York and Philadelphia, to make you a visit.

_______________

¹ Frederick Douglass.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 538

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.

_______________

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.

_______________

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

John Henry Kagi to John Brown, August 27, 1859

I to-day received the enclosed letter and check.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 534

Samuel Gridley Howe to John Henry Kagi, about August 25, 1859

Dear Friend, — I begin the investment with fifty dollars, and will try to do more through friends. Our friend from Concord¹ called with your note.

Doctor.

_______________

¹ Franklin B. Sanborn.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 534

John Henry Kagi to John Brown, July 22, 1859

Chambersburg, Friday, July 22.

I received the within, and another for Oliver, to-day. I thought best not to send the other; it is from his wife. There are other reasons, which I need not-name now. Have here no other letters from any one.

J. Henrie.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 533

John Brown Jr. [alias John Smith] to John Brown, July 18, 1859

Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, Ohio, Monday, July 18, 1859.

Dear Father, — Yours, dated at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, July 5, and mailed at Troy, New York, July 7, and also yours of the 8th, with enclosed drafts for one hundred dollars, I received in due season; am here to-day to get drafts cashed. Have now got all my business so arranged that I can devote my time, for the present, entirely to any business you may see fit to intrust me; shall immediately ship your freight, as you directed, most probably by canal, from Hartstown (formerly Hart's Cross Roads, Crawford County), to the river at Rochester, Pennsylvania (formerly Beaver), thence by railroad via Pittsburg, etc., as you directed. Shall hold myself in readiness to go north on any business you choose to direct or confide in my hands. All well; have two or three letters from [New England], which I will forward to J. H. [Kagi].

In haste, your affectionate son,

John Smith.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 534

John Henry Kagi to John Brown, July 18, 1859

[CHAMBERSBURG, PA.], July 18.

I wrote to Tidd one week ago to-day, several days before receiving your letter directing mo to do so, and enclosing letter to H. Lindsley, which I forwarded by first mail. None of your things have yet arrived. The railroad from Harrisburg here does no freight business itself, that all being done by a number of forwarding houses, which run private freight cars. I have requested each of these (there are six or eight of them) to give me notice of the arrival of anything for you.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 533

John Brown to John Henry Kagi, about July 12, 1859

Look for letters directed to John Henrie at Chambersburg. Inquire for letters at Chambersburg for I. Smith & Sons, and write them at Harper's Ferry as soon as any does come.¹ See Mr. Henry Watson at Chambersburg, and find out if the “Tribune” comes on. Have Mr. Watson and his reliable friends get ready to receive company. Get Mr. Watson to make you acquainted with his reliable friends, but do not appear to be any wise thick with them, and do not often be seen with any such man. Get Mr. Watson, if he can, to find out a trusty man or men to stop with at Hagerstown (if any such there be), as Mr. Thomas Henry has gone from there. Write Tidd to come to Chambersburg, by Pittsburg and Harrisburg, at once. He can stop off the Pittsburg road at Hudson, and go to Jason's for his trunk. Write Carpenter and Hazlett that we are all well, right, and ready as soon as we can get our boarding-house fixed, when we will write them to come on, and by what route. I will pay Hazlett the money ho advanced to Anderson for expenses travelling. Find yourself a comfortable, cheap boarding-house at once. Write I. Smith & Sons, at Harper's Ferry. Inquire after your four Cleveland friends, and have them come on to Chambersburg if they are on the way; if not on the road, have them wait till we are better prepared. Be careful what you write to all persons. Do not send or bring any more persons here until we advise you of our readiness to board them.

_______________

¹ See the Diary for July 12.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 532-3

John Brown [alias Isaac Smith] to his Family, August 16, 1859

Chambersburg, Penn., Aug. 16, 1859.

Dear Wife And Children, All, — I left all well at home yesterday but Martha, who was complaining a little. Am in hopes nothing serious is the matter. I will only now say I am getting along as well, perhaps, all things considered, as I ought to expect. We all want to hear from you; but we do not want you all to write, and you need only say all is well, or otherwise, as the case may be. When you write, enclose in a small envelope such as I now send, seal it, and write on it no other directions than I. Smith & Sons. Enclose that in a stamped envelope and direct it to John Henrie, Esq., of Chambersburg, Franklin County, Penn., who will send it to us.

Affectionately yours,

I. S.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 531-2

John Brown [alias Isaac Smith] to his Family, July 27, 1859

Chambersburg, Penn., July 27, 1859.

Dear Wife And Children, All, — I write to say that we are all well, and that I think Watson and D. had not best set out until we write again, and not until sufficient hay has been secured to winter all the stock well. To be buying hay in the spring or last of the winter is ruinous, and there is no prospect of our getting our freight on so as to be ready to go to work under some time yet. We will give you timely notice. When you write, enclose first in a small envelope, put a stamp on it, seal it, and direct it to I. Smith & Sons, Harper's Ferry, Va.; then enclose it under a stamped envelope, which direct to John Henrie, Chambersburg, Penn. I need not say, do all your directing and sealing at home, and not at the post-office.

Your affectionate husband and father,

I. Smith.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 530