A fanatical abolitionist, Brown maintained an Underground Railroad station in Ohio. In the mid-1850s, he moved to Kansas, where he led a guerrilla band responsible for the Pottawatomie massacre. Supported by six wealthy patrons, he planned to capture the Federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry and distribute the weapons to slaves. The violent plot ultimately failed when he was captured by Robert E. Lee and hanged, but his insurrection led the country closer to the Civil War. Ink signature, 'Yours sincerely, John Brown,' on an off-white 3.5 x 1 slip, affixed to the lower. In poor condition, with some toning and light soiling to photo and signature and a difficult to see signature and sentiment. RRAuction COA.
