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. ALS, one page, 8 x 10, Springfield, Mass., November 4, 1848. A letter to his business partner, Simon Perkins, in Akron Ohio. In part: 'Your kind letter of the 25th Nov is this moment received. Presume that before this date you have received some two or three letters from me that will probably relieve your anxiety. I was perfectly aware that the notice from Mr. Walker would trouble you; although there was not the least need of it except as you were not here to waive notice. Mr. Walker said he had not other way but to send you one. The note was all paid last week, and we have funds sufficient I think to meet all our engagements promptly and without difficulty. You may rest assured of the fact that our credit could not stand better and that I will let you know should there be the least prospect of trouble ahead. Have made no further sale since I wrote you at Albany NY. Please say to my boys that all are well...John Brown.' He adds the postscript, 'P.S. Our friend Mosher [?] has be happily relieved. Yours, JB.' Accompanied by an unsigned image of Brown. In fine condition, with sealing wax remains and a small area of paper loss to the integral address panel, scattered soiling and several mailing folds, none of which affect the legibility of the letter or the signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
