Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860 to his brother and sisters [Decimalized .01- .13]

to his sister

Describes time at Fort Massachusetts in the New Mexico Territory. Tells of joining the dragoons and their confrontations with Native Americans, including Navajos ("Navhoes") and the Utah nation.

GLC07231.01

to his sister

Tells news of life as dragoon, and boredom of time at Fort Massachusetts. Mentions the possibility of tracking Utah Indians to Salt Lake, possibility of returning east, of traveling to California. Discusses brother Lemuel's decision to become a...

GLC07231.02

to his sister, Lyddia M. Pierce

Misses family and reminiscences about childhood. Mentions news of cousin marrying Charles Whipple. Discusses possibility of coming home or of moving west. Written at Cantonment Burgwin.

GLC07231.03

to his brother Henry

Discusses conflict over slavery in Kansas, describing it as a "struggle against every species of oppression" (namely slavery). Foresees the probability of violence between 2000 "invaders" and 700 freemen. Laments the interception of mail from Kansas...

GLC07231.04

to his sister

Hopes his sister and brother are not "old liners," i.e. that they support his anti-slavery efforts in the "Kansas War." Mentions "Miss Brown" (likely a daughter of John Brown) in reference to his wish that more "yankey" girls would come to Kansas so...

GLC07231.05

to his father

Gives news of self in Topeka, the free state capital, and Colonelcy in Kansas War with promotion to brigadier general in Kansas "Millishey [militia]." Informs of "tearney [tyranny] … by the proslavery democracy of the United States," and the...

GLC07231.06

to his brother Henry

Discusses the upcoming election in Kansas, i.e. the second election over the Lecompton Constitution, the likelihood of free state supporters' defeat, and the influx of border ruffians from Missouri. Was against going into the election. Foresees that...

GLC07231.07

to his sister

Reminisces about childhood. Gives news of travels "all over New Mexico Kansas Nebraska Iowa and some in Illinois & Indiana." Outlines his commitment to the cause of "Human Freedom," saying "[I] expect to be in it untill slavery is done away in the...

GLC07231.08

to his brother Henry

Elaborates on abolitionist efforts in Kansas. Justifies violence citing the number of slaves who are "murdird" each year. Continues that war is just when in self defense and liberty must be absolute, quoting Patrick Henry: "Give me liberty or give me...

GLC07231.09

to his sister

Tells of his upcoming trial and predicts that he will "receive a free pass to the Spirit world." Mentions receiving many presents and aid, including from Mrs. Spring and Miss Watkins. Expresses his desire to tell her more on his views of religion...

GLC07231.10

to his brother Henry

Describes his wounds at Harpers Ferry: "I received six wounds there [his chest], three in my head, two in my brest and one through my left arm two in my head were the worst." Claims he is enjoying his time in jail, with the help of his jailer Captain...

GLC07231.11

to his brother Henry

Ponders his sentence and the prospect of death. Hopes for mercy so that he may continue to live, but is doubtful and accepts death calmly. Discusses spiritualism. Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.12

to his brother Henry

Bids his brother farewell, with knowledge of his upcoming death. Encourages Henry to explore spiritiualism and to live rightly: "as you love yourself as you love man as you love woman, as you love god, work with your head heart and hands for the...

GLC07231.13