George L, Stearns to John Brown, May 4, 1857

May 4.

I have written to Colonel Carter that I will be responsive for the payment of thirteen hundred dollars for two hundred revolvers, as you propose, and have requested him to write to you if he accept my proposal.¹ If he does not, I will write to you again. If I pay for these revolvers, I shall expect that all the arms and ammunition, rifles as well as revolvers, not used for the defence of Kansas, shall he held as pledged to me for the payment of this amount. To this our committee have assented by a vote passed on Saturday, and I have no doubt you will assent to it. If you do not, let me know your reasons.

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¹ Mr. Stearns's letter to Colonel Carter, agent of the Massachusetts Arms Company.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 406-7

George L, Stearns to Colonel Carter, agent of the Massachusetts Arms Company, May 4, 1857

Boston, May 4, 1857.

Dear Sir, — Being desirous of aiding Captain Brown In his Kansas enterprise, I am willing to purchase of you the two hundred revolvers, to be delivered to him as proposed, and to pay you by my note at four months from date of delivery. This will give me time to get the money, should I wish to raise the amount by subscription. Should you accept my proposition, you will please notify Captain Brown that you are ready to deliver; and your draft, accompanied by his receipt for the property, will be accepted.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 407