A zealous opponent of slavery (1800–1859), Brown was hanged for treason, murder, and conspiracy after an attempt to capture the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry and distribute the weapons to slaves. ALS signed “John Brown,” one page, lightly-lined, 7 x 4.5, February 7, 1849. Letter to Perham Sewall & Co, who were involved in the wool trade in Boston. In full: “By our last advices from Europe we perceive that we are holding our fine wools decidedly below exporting prices. If you will make thorough enquiry in your city for the best terms on which we can ship to a large quantity of wool (verry tight pocked) to Liverpool, or London; we will endeavour to serve you in some way to compensate you for the trouble. We shall not want to pack I untill the weather becomes milder; as it will not pack tight in verry cold weather. We sent you all the No 3 wool we had at the time. The other wool you last directed us to send will be ready today probably.” Three lines of a draft letter in Brown’s hand are penned on the reverse and signed “Yours, P & B,” in full: “what would be considered of what is considered very good condition for what the lot would scour away more than 28 per cent that bei[ng] standard condition.” In very good condition, with three vertical folds, scattered staining, and trimmed edges.
At this time, Brown was in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he had set up an office in 1846 for his wool business, begun with Simon Perkins. Although Brown was adept at raising sheep and sorting, grading, and preparing wool for sale, he was a poor businessman and continually failed to sell his wool at the price he desired. He believed that he could get better prices abroad, and in August 1849 he sailed to England with 200,000 pounds of wool—this letter, written six months earlier, demonstrates his belief that his product would be more valuable abroad and anticipates his August voyage, which would end in utter failure. His wool was poorly received in Great Britain—not because of its quality, but because Englishmen believed it impossible to raise good wool in America, stubbornly refusing to pay him well for it. After two months of failure, Brown lamented 'I have a great deal of stupid obstinate prejudice to contend with, as well as conflicting interests both in this country and abroad.' Ultimately, Brown was forced to sell the wool at 50% below the value he could have gotten in America, and returned home. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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