Essay
Brown, John (1800–1859). American abolitionist.
Autograph Letter Signed (John Brown), 5 1/4 x 8 inches, 2pp, Peterboro, New York, February 24, 1858. Addressed to Franklin Sanborn. Penned two days after revealing his plan to raid a federal arsenal and spark a major slave rebellion. Brown writes to persuade Sanborn to join his cause. An eloquently written letter that represents Brown's firm resolve.
“Certain the cause is enough to live for if not to [blank] for . . . God has honored but comparatively a very small part of mankind with any possible chance for such mighty & soul satisfying rewards . . . I expect nothing but to ‘endure hardness’s: but I expect to effect a mighty conquest even though it be like the last victory of Samson.”
Full Transcript:
Peterboro, N. Y. 24.th Feb, 1858.
F B Sanborn Esq
My Dear Friend
Mr. Morton has taken the liberty of saying to me that you felt 1/2 inclined to make a common cause with me. I greatly rejoice at this; for I believe when you come to look at the ample field I labour in; & the rich harvest which (not only this entire country, but) the whole world during the present & future generation may reap from its successful cultivation; you will feel that you are out of your element until you find you are in it; an entire Unit. What an inconceivable amount of good you might so effect; by your counsel, your example, your encouragement, your natural & acquired ability; for active service. And then how very little we can possibly loose? Certainly the cause is enough to live for; if not to for. I have only had this one opportunity in a life of nearly Sixty years, & could I be continued ten times as long again I might not again have another equal opportunity. God has honored but comparatively a very small part of mankind with any possible chance for such mighty & soul satisfying rewards. But my dear friend if you should make up your mind to do so I trust it will be wholly from the prompting of your own spirit; after having thoroughly counted the cost. I would flatter no man into such a measure if I could do it ever so easily. I expect nothing but to “endure hardness”: but I expect to effect a mighty conquest even though it be like the last victory of Samson. I felt for a number of years in earlier life; a steady strong desire to die: but since I saw any prospect of becoming a 'reaper' in the great harvest I have not only felt quite willing to live: but have enjoyed life much; I am now rather anxious to live for a few years more.
Your sincere friend
John Brown