Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860 to his brother Henry

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07231.11 Author/Creator: Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860 Place Written: Charlestown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 30, 1860 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope Order a Copy

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 Avis and the variety of gifts sent to him by friends, some of whom he lists: "Mrs. R.B. Spring Mrs. L Maria Child, Miss Watkins, Mr. James Redpath and others." Mrs. Spring nursed John Brown, "Capt. B." Discusses his views on spiritualism and his doubt of the Bible, mentioning two books, one by Professor "Robbrt" Hare, the other entitled "Studies in religion." Awaits his trial tomorrow.

Brown, John, 1800-1859
Stevens, Aaron Dwight, 1831-1860

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources