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to Frederick Brown & Jeremiah Brown

Leaving Kansas, his poor health, and the health of his sons. Says he is leaving Kansas "both on business: & to recover my health," as he is suffering from "Dysentary & Chill Fever." However, "I expect to go back should the trouble continue"...

GLC04463.01

Stone print of John Brown's last written words with copy of original [Decimalized .01-.02]

Stone print of the last words of John Brown. "I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty, land: will never be purged away, but with Blood. I had as I now think: vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed; it...

GLC04463.08

[Photograph of John Brown's last written words]

Albumen print of the last written words of John Brown. "I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty, land: will never be purged away, but with Blood. I had as I now think: vainly flattered myself that without very much...

GLC04463.08.01

[Facsimile of John Brown's last written words]

Reproduction on paper of the original copy of John Brown's last written words.

GLC04463.08.02

to Mary Stearns

Written three days before his execution. He asks to be "spared from having any mock; or hypocritical prayers made over me, when I am publicly murdered: & that my only religious attendants be poor little, dirty, ragged, bare headed, & barefooted...

GLC05925.01

Address of John Brown to the Virginia Court, when about to receive the sentence of death, for his heroic attempt at Harper's Ferry...

Small broadside with lithograph signature of Brown produced by the Liberator, reprinting his address to the Virginia Court before sentencing. Brown denies wanting to murder or cause an uprising. He argues that his raid on Harper's Ferry was just...

GLC05508.051

John Brown's Prophesy

The last words of John Brown, and a poem he wrote in prison, printed on a piece of paper that may have been intended to go inside Elijah Avey's book on Brown. A hand written note at the bottom reads "One of these to every book."

GLC06806.02.03

to Willis A. Hodges

Discusses arrangements at North Elba, and upcoming plans for this African American farming settlement. Says money is being raised to help the "infant colony," urges residents not to lay out plots yet, but instead cut wood. Also discusses the...

GLC06615

to Mary Ann Brown

Has "been more prospered within a very few days than I had before been," thanks to a $7,000 loan from George L. Stearns to be used towards a free Kansas. Hears "that one of 'Uncle Sam's Hounds was at Cleavland on my track;' and I have been hiding a...

GLC02519

to Owen Brown

Brown discusses the free state struggle, and reports there are rumors of a free state man being murdered, and that it may lead to more violence. Says "We feel more, & more certain that Kansas will be a Free State." Also discusses family affairs...

GLC02454

[Appointment of trustees]

Appoints George L. Stearns, Samuel Cabot Jr. and William H. Russell as "trustees to hold all funds and other personal property now in my hands...in my behalf for the aid of the free state cause in Kansas." This is to take effect only if Brown...

GLC00502

to Mary Ann Brown

John Brown writes to his wife enclosing a draft for thirty dollars from Gerrit Smith and his wife, Ann Carrol Fitzhugh Smith. Part of the money is to be used on presents, and the rest on expenses. She must try and make the money last, since he does...

GLC00516

[Receipt from Samuel Adair]

Received thirty two dollars in cash from Samuel Adair and a note of four dollars against S.H. Houser. Signed by Brown as agent for the National Kansas Committee.

GLC00721

to Mary Ann Brown

Brown wonders if a free state candidate from Kansas has been "allowed...a seat in Congress," since "that would set Kansas matters right at once." He reports that he has "again written Mr. [William Henry] Hurlbut of Connecticut about the battle."...

GLC00928

to Mary Ann Brown

The letter discusses the defeat of a pro-slavery judge. Recounts story of "one of the most deeply exciting times...since our arival in the territory. A United States Judge came here & attempted to hold a Court, & to enforce the enactment of the Bogus...

GLC00929.01

to Simon Perkins

In the letter, John Brown discusses his wool business. "Burlington" continues to make excuses for not paying, while at the same time pleading for wool to be sent to him. Burlington Mills Manufacturing Company in Vermont was one of Brown's clients in...

GLC00106

to brother and sister Adair re: concern for his son Owen

Written while on the run from authorities after Pottawatomie massacre: "Owen (my son) is I trust somewhere on the way from Iowa; but I have a good deal of anxiety about him, as I learn that I was hotly pursued even in Iowa. I can only say that God...

GLC07229

to Aaron D. Stevens

Written on the day Brown was hanged from Charlestown Prison, Virginia, present day West Virginia. Writes in full, "He that is slow to anger; is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, that he, that taketh a city" Solomon."; with...

GLC07230.01

[We are going Home]

"We are going home and soon shall be / Where the sky is clear and all are free..." Written in pencil. (Enclosure with 7230.01)

GLC07230.02

to Henry Thompson re: relocation to North Elba, N.Y.

Written on blue stationery of "J. R. Brown, Wool, Butter and Cheese" which has been crossed out. Docketed.

GLC07589

to Mrs. Brown and children re: his homecoming

"I have left no stone unturned to place my affairs in a more settled & comfortable shape, & now should I after all my labour & sacrifice of boddy & mind, be compelled to return a verry poor man, how will my family receive me."

GLC07617

to Thomas B. Musgrave re: imprisonment

"I do not feel myself the least degraded by my imprisonment, my chain, or the near prospect of the gallows. Men cannot imprison, or chain, or hang the soul." With engraving, photograph, and collateral paperwork. Per Lee Shepard, Asst. Director for...

GLC07638.01