john brown s raid 1859

Edward Robeson Taylor autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higg...

Sends a typed copy of a letter by John Brown, the original being in the possession of one of his students. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown autograph letter signed to Simon Perkins, Springfield, Mass...

Lists the outstanding sums; thinks if moderate advances were continued, the season's proceeds might be doubled. Mentions the exact amount of indebtedness. Printed in Boston Public Library, Historical Manuscript... More

James Redpath autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

John Brown autograph letter signed to Simon Perkins, Springfield, Mass...

Mentions the death of his daughter [Ellen]. Has made a small cash sale to go to Europe. Is considering a foreign market for the fine wool. May go to Europe himself. Appended is a memorandum in an unknown hand g... More

John Brown autograph letter signed to Simon Perkins, Troy, N.Y., 26 Ja...

Reports on the examination of B. Buck [Henry] Warren's witness. Has obtained valuable testimony from A. J. Richardson. Finds the business goes slowly. Printed in Boston Public Library, Historical Manuscripts, N... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Urges him to meet John Brown who is in Boston raising funds to equip a company for Kansas. Wants an answer from the Worcester Committee. Discusses policies to be used in Kansas. Printed in part in O.G. Villard,... More

John Brown autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Spri...

Declares funds may be left for him at the Emigrant Aid Office. Is anxious to start at once. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Hugh Forbes autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Phi...

Feels he has been "grossly defrauded;" his family is destitute. Intends to make the "New Englanders" redress his wrongs. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

William J. Bride autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, ...

Notice of a meeting at Dr. [Samuel Gridley] Howe's room. Written for George Luther Stearns. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn telegram to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, [Boston], 24 May...

Asks him to meet with G[errit] Smith. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [Theodore Parker...

Regards any postponement as simply abandoning the project. Thinks H[ugh] F[orbes] can be circumvented. Signed with "T.W.H." Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, Recollections of Seventy Years, p. 156; Dr. Samuel G... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to John Brown, Brat...

Protests against any postponement on account of H[ugh] F[orbes]. Addressed to Jason Brown, but endorsed by John Brown. Quoted in M. T. Higginson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, p. 191. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

S. G. Howe autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], Bo...

Agrees mainly with his views. Thinks [Hugh Forbes] is probably "bungling about in the dark." Adds in a postscript that Forbes has made disclosures to [William Henry] Seward. Signed "S.G.H." Printed in F. B. San... More

John Brown autograph letter to "Dear Friend and Other Friends", Osawat...

All is quiet now; has no need for [the whistles]. Urges him to get things into operation as soon as possible. Thanks him for draft of $50. Printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 477-78... More

Theodore Parker autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, B...

Hopes he will preach on spiritualism; asks him to suggest a minister for West Newton. Adds in a postscript that if he knew more of [Hugh] F[orbes] he would think differently. Signed "T.P." Postscript printed in... More

John Brown autograph letter to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Chatham, Ca...

Promises to take no hasty steps. Intends to find out what [Hugh] F[orbes] will do and act accordingly. Cf. John Brown to F. B. Sanborn, same date, printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters fo John Brown, p... More

John Brown autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Roch...

Asks Higginson to raise money for "a most important undertaking." Wishes his wherabouts kept entirely secret. Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p.435-6. Courtesy of Boston Pu... More

Lysander Spooner autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Arranges to meet and discuss "plans." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Geo. L. Stearns autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, B...

Acknowledges a contribution of $100. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Thinks the project must be deferred since [Hugh] Forbes knows the details of the plan and their share in it. Urges Higginson to attend the convention at Chatham, Canada West. Signed "F.B.S." Printed in part in ... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [Theodore Parker...

Regards any postponement as simply abandoning the project. Thinks H[ugh] F[orbes] can be circumvented. Signed with "T.W.H." Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, Recollections of Seventy Years, p. 156; Dr. Samuel G... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Declares Nelson Hawkins [John Brown] has found several good men in Canada and "plans to turn his flocks loose about May 15." For this he will need an additional $500. Gives Brown's address. Courtesy of Boston P... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Forwards a letter from [John] Brown inquiring about future operations -- also an older letter. Mentions an article by [David Atwood] Wasson in the Atlantic and his own lecture at the Tremont Temple. Signed "F.B... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter to [John Brown], Worcester...

Finds [Hugh] F[orbes] is considered a blunderer. Has urged the others not to give up. Endorsed by John Brown. Quoted in M. T. Higginson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, p. 191. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Informs him of Hugh Forbes's intended treachery. Asks Higginson to find out about him in N.Y. Thinks he can do great harm. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Asks Higginson to accompany him to a meeting at [Gerrit] Smith's in Peterboro, N.Y. Gives directions. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown autograph letter signed to Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, Misso...

Describes his situation near the scene of the Marais des Cygnes murders. Contradicts the Tribune account. Will need assistance if the LeCompton bill passes. Reports excitement in Missouri; feels the Free State ... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Asks him to meet N.H. [John Brown] at Chatham, Canada West. Thinks Hugh Forbes "looks squally." Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Lysander Spooner autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Asks Higginson's opinion of his plan for the abolition of slavery. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Thinks it madness to go on in the face of [Hugh] F[orbes]'s disclosures. [Charles Anderson] Dana's estimate of his character seems probable. Printed in part in F.B. Sanborn, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, p. 260-1; O... More

John Brown autograph letter signed to Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, Roche...

Would find it impossible to go to Boston without being recognized. Suggests he come to Peterboro with [Thomas Wentworth] Higginson. Printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 436. Courtesy... More

Geo. L. Stearns telegram to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Boston, 2 June...

Informs him of a meeting at the American House. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Theodore Parker autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, B...

If he had known Higginson's plans, he would have asked him to speak at the Music Hall. Insists he is right [in postponing Brown's scheme because of Hugh Forbes]. Signed "T.P." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Lists those assessed to help raise $1000 for [John Brown]. Is considering admitting Dr. [Samuel] Cabot and G[eorge] R[obert] Russell into the business. Inquires where a supply of boatswains' whistles can be pur... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to John Brown, Worc...

Rejoices to find that he is not discouraged; always regretted the postponement of the enterprise. Hopes to make some contribution this spring. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Roch...

Intends "railroad business on an extended scale." Urges him to meet for consultation at Gerrit Smith's. Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 436. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Declares John Brown has gone to Kansas; the scheme will be put in action next spring. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown autograph letter to "Dear Friend and Other Friends", Osawat...

All is quiet now; has no need for [the whistles]. Urges him to get things into operation as soon as possible. Thanks him for draft of $50. Printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 477-78... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [Theodore Parker...

Regards any postponement as simply abandoning the project. Thinks H[ugh] F[orbes] can be circumvented. Signed with "T.W.H." Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, Recollections of Seventy Years, p. 156; Dr. Samuel G... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Mentions the sums promised to [George Luther] Stearns, treasurer of the enterprise. [John Brown] has made some friends in New York; has gane north in search of shepherds. Signed "F.B.S." Printed in part in O.G.... More

S. G. Howe autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], Bo...

Agrees mainly with his views. Thinks [Hugh Forbes] is probably "bungling about in the dark." Adds in a postscript that Forbes has made disclosures to [William Henry] Seward. Signed "S.G.H." Printed in F. B. San... More

Geo. L. Stearns autograph letter to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], New ...

Has recalled the arms committed to [John] Brown's care. Hopes to convince him that it is for the best. Printed in part in F.B. Sanborn, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, p.261. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Believes the scheme must be postponed for a year on account of Hugh Forbes's threats. Exposure would rob it of all its terror. The other "stockholders" agree. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Geo. L. Stearns autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, B...

Acknowledges a contribution of $100. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

S. G. Howe autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], Bo...

Agrees mainly with his views. Thinks [Hugh Forbes] is probably "bungling about in the dark." Adds in a postscript that Forbes has made disclosures to [William Henry] Seward. Signed "S.G.H." Printed in F. B. San... More

John Brown autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Boston...

Agrees to meet him at the American House the next Friday evening. Printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 447. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [John Brown], Wo...

Is always ready to invest money in treason. Has other demands but promises at least $5. Addressed to N. Hawkins. Quoted in M. T. Higginson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, p. 191. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown letter (copy) to Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, Lawrence, Kansa...

Intends to leave at once for the neighborhood "of the late troubles." Urges him to carry out the proposed measures. Asks for a dozen whistles. Copy in Franklin Benjamin Sanborn's hand. Printed in O. G. Villard,... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph note signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], B...

Asks him to meet Hawkins [John Brown] at the American House. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

S. G. Howe autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], Bo...

Agrees mainly with his views. Thinks [Hugh Forbes] is probably "bungling about in the dark." Adds in a postscript that Forbes has made disclosures to [William Henry] Seward. Signed "S.G.H." Printed in F. B. San... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [Theodore Parker...

Lists his reasons for not postponing the scheme. Charles A[nderson] D[ana] considered [Hugh] F[orbes] a "blundering blockhead." 3 p. Signed "T.W.H." Quoted in M. T. Higginson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, p. 191... More

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Declares [John] Brown is at Rochester; believes he contemplates an uprising of slaves. Hopes Higginson can aid him substantially. Fears the Union is on its last legs. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Brown autograph letter to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Chatham, Ca...

Promises to take no hasty steps. Intends to find out what [Hugh] F[orbes] will do and act accordingly. Cf. John Brown to F. B. Sanborn, same date, printed in F. B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters fo John Brown, p... More

Thomas Wentworth Higginson autograph letter signed to [Theodore Parker...

Regards any postponement as simply abandoning the project. Thinks H[ugh] F[orbes] can be circumvented. Signed with "T.W.H." Printed in part in F. B. Sanborn, Recollections of Seventy Years, p. 156; Dr. Samuel G... More

Henry B. Clarke autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Wants a statement on the needs of the families suffering from the Harper's Ferry affair. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

James Miller M’Kim autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgins...

Declares Mrs. [Rebecca (Buffum)] Spring has taken Mrs. [Mary Anne (Day)] Brown off to Perth Amboy with her, implying it was [John] Brown's wish. Regrets that she was not allowed to remain for the present but do... More

Letter from Elizabeth Georgiana Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, Argyll Lo...

Letter from Samuel May, Boston, to Richard Davis Webb, Dec. 7, 1859

May hears of the safe return of Webb's son, Richard. He gives a long account of John Brown and says that Brown should have been tried in a U.S. court. May tells Webb that numerous meetings were held on the day ... More

Letter from Samuel May, Leicester, Mass., to Richard Davis Webb, Nov. ...

May tells Webb that he encloses a note from Oliver Johnson about the effect of the Harpers Ferry raid on the New York State elections. He discusses the travels of his son and tells of his interview with Samuel ... More

Salmon Brown autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], ...

Comments on Edwin M[iller] Wheelock's discourse in the Liberator. Wishes he could aid in the proposed rescue. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Elizabeth Georgiana Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, Argyll Lo...

F. B. Sanborn autograph note signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], C...

Encloses the letter previously mentioned; has sent $65. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Richard J. Hinton autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higgins...

Quotes from a letter concerning the necessity of hiring counsel for [Albert Hazlett]. A parcel is being sent to [Aaron Dwight] Stevens. Signed "R.J.H." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Nathan Cheney autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, B...

Arranged to meet him in Worcester. Contributes $3.00 to the "noble cause." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Elizabeth Georgiana Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, Argyll Lo...

John W. LeBarnes autograph letter to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], 22 ...

Mentions possible arrangements for kidnapping Governor [Henry Alexander] Wise and carrying him aboard a tug. Does not think enough of the scheme to go himself. Raising the money is the real question. Mutilated,... More

James Miller M’Kim autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higgin...

Declares [James Redpath] has left for Chambersburg. Can offer no support in the contingency hinted at but thinks everything possible should be attempted. Mentions the forthcoming speech of J[oshua] R[eed] Giddi... More

Ellen R. Rutherford letter to James Miller M'Kim, 22 November 1859

Declares a party of Virginians have been there with a requisition for [Barclay] Coppoc. Copy. Mounted with a letter addressed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson by James Miller McKim, November 23, 1859. Courtesy of ... More

Letter from Samuel May, Leicester, Mass., to Richard Davis Webb, Nov. ...

May tells Webb that he encloses a note from Oliver Johnson about the effect of the Harpers Ferry raid on the New York State elections. He discusses the travels of his son and tells of his interview with Samuel ... More

Ruth Brown Thompson autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgin...

Thanks him for his kindness in visiting them, etc. Has heard from her father; hopes his sentence may be commuted. Feels her father's fate is sealed. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Mentions various contributions. Asks him to canvas Worcester. Signed "F.B.S." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

James Redpath autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Intends to write a life of John Brown. Asks for any material. Refers to The Public Life of Capt. John Brown, Boston, 1860. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

George Sennott telegram to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Harper's Ferry ...

Orders him to stop Mrs. [Mary Anne (Day)] Brown. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Is glad that Higginson did not mean to expose others. Still disagrees about Dr. [Samuel Gridley] Howe. He himself will pursue his usual occupations and resist if arrested. Inquires about the proposed rescue. Si... More

John W. LeBarnes autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Describes the movement undertaken by [John Albion] Andrew to amend either the Habeas Corpus Act or the Personal Liberty Bill. Intends to have the writ directed to the sheriff of the country. Courtesy of Boston ... More

George Sennott autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, ...

Wants to see him in connection with the trials. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Richard J. Hinton autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson,...

Has received no answer from Leavenworth; is expecting one from [Samuel F.] Tappan. Wishes to be included [in the attempt to rescue Aaron Dwight Stevens]. Signed "R.J.H." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

F. B. Sanborn autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson],...

Encloses a note from [John Brown]. Mentions possible contributors. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Richard Davis Webb, Greenfield, [Ireland], to Samuel May, ...

Webb describes John Wilson at length and says that he believes Wilson to have been a member of John Brown's party during the Harpers Ferry raid. Webb tells May that Wilson is not optimistic about the future of ... More

Charles W. Slack autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Asks him to speak at the meeting [for the relief of John Brown's family]. With this is a printed ticket of admission for the meeting, November 19, 1859. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

George H. Hoyt autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson]...

Can give no reason for [John] Brown's refusal to see his wife. Wishes her stopped at Baltimore. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Salmon Brown autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson], ...

Thanks him for the news of O[wen] B[rown]'s safety and other kindnesses. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

A Southerner (pseud.) autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higg...

Considers Higginson by aiding [John] Brown has been premoting a scheme to murder his fellow men. Heretofore had believed there was some conservatism in the North; now all the South intends to unite. Quoted in M... More

Daniel Stickney autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Thanks him for the information about Charles P[lummer] Tidd. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Elisabeth E. Tidd autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginso...

Asks if he has any information concerning her brother, Charles Plummer Tidd. Appended is a statement by C[harles] M[anning] Bowers vouching for her identity. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Elizabeth Georgiana Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, Argyll Lo...

Thomas Hopkins Webb autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgin...

Needs sun to complete the photographs; can give him four without the facsimile. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Charles Plummer Tidd autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgi...

Offers his assistance for the rescue of [Aaron Dwight] Stevens; thinks of coming to Worcester. Suggests O[wen] B[rown] and [Barclay] Coppoc. Signed "Charles Plummer." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Samuel C. Blackwell autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginso...

Sends $5 for the defense of John Brown. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Ruth Brown Thompson autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgin...

Describes her father's funeral; has become resigned to his death. Believes the girls may go to Eagleswood to school. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Thomas Starr King autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson,...

Contributes $10 for the support of John Brown's family. 1 p. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Richard Davis Webb, Greenfield, [Ireland], to Samuel May, ...

Webb describes John Wilson at length and says that he believes Wilson to have been a member of John Brown's party during the Harpers Ferry raid. Webb tells May that Wilson is not optimistic about the future of ... More

Letter from Richard Davis Webb, Greenfield, [Ireland], to Samuel May, ...

Webb describes John Wilson at length and says that he believes Wilson to have been a member of John Brown's party during the Harpers Ferry raid. Webb tells May that Wilson is not optimistic about the future of ... More

James Miller M’Kim autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higgins...

Declares Mrs. [Rebecca (Buffum)] Spring has taken Mrs. [Mary Anne (Day)] Brown off to Perth Amboy with her, implying it was [John] Brown's wish. Regrets that she was not allowed to remain for the present but do... More

Annie Brown Adams autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginso...

Thanks him for the money to buy sheep. Regrets not being able to become a Christian as her father wishes. Gives biographical data about Frederic [Brown], [John Edwin] Cook and Dangerfield Newby. Appended is a s... More

John W. LeBarnes autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Describes the movement undertaken by [John Albion] Andrew to amend either the Habeas Corpus Act or the Personal Liberty Bill. Intends to have the writ directed to the sheriff of the country. Courtesy of Boston ... More

A. O'Leary autograph note signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Bath, ...

Wants the picture sent to N[ewell] A. Foster of Portland. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John W. LeBarnes autograph letter signed to [Thomas Wentworth Higginso...

Recommends L[ysander] S[pooner]'s scheme; thinks [Edward Augustus] Brackett's too dangerous. Mentions the whereabouts of [James] Redpath, [George] Sennott, and [George Henry] Hoyt. Signed "LeB." Appended is a n... More

John W. LeBarnes autograph letter signed to Thomas Wentworth Higginson...

Has telegraphed [Charles Carroll] Fulton to stop Mrs. [Mary Anne (Day)] Brown. Mr. Daniels is to be retained as counsel before the Court of Error. Sends a letter for the Spy concerning [George Henry] Hoyt's par... More

Letter from Samuel May, Boston, to Richard Davis Webb, Dec. 7, 1859

May hears of the safe return of Webb's son, Richard. He gives a long account of John Brown and says that Brown should have been tried in a U.S. court. May tells Webb that numerous meetings were held on the day ... More