Troy, N. Y., Jan. 23, 1852.
Dear
Children, — I returned here on
the evening of the 19th inst., having left Akron on the 14th, the date of your letter
to John. I was very glad to hear from you again in that way, not having
received anything from you while at home. I left all in usual health, and as
comfortable as could be expected; but am afflicted with you on account of your
little boy. Hope to hear by return mail that you are all well. As in this
trouble you are only tasting of a cup I have had to drink deeply, and very
often, I need not tell you how fully I can sympathize with you in your anxiety.
. . . How long we shall continue here is
beyond our ability to foresee, but think it very probable that if you write us
by return mail we shall get your letter. Something may possibly happen that may
enable us (or one of us) to go and see you, but do not look for us. I should
feel it a great privilege if I could. We seem to be getting along well with our
business so far, but progress miserably slow. My journeys back and forth this
winter have been very tedious. If you find it difficult for you to pay for
Douglass' paper, I wish you would let me know, as I know I took liberty in
ordering it continued. You have been very kind in helping me, and I do not mean
to make myself a burden.
Your affectionate father,
John Brown.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 148
