Lis/ V7S ...'.:■-.'..■. ■ Si | ; ■ I I . . , ! ' ' : i fa ! ■ ■ 7tsM r 'w.U ■ ■n . . r. ■ . ■ E 451 .V75 Copy 1 Doc. No. 1 APPENDIX TO MESSAGE I. DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO THE HARPERS FERRY INVASION, K? Doc. No. 1. 51 Governor Wisth Letter to President Buchanan. Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1659. Sir, I have information from various quarters, upon which I rely, that a conspiracy, of formidable extent in meaus and numbers, is formed in Ohio, Penn- sylvania, New York and other states, to rescue John Brown and his associates, prisoners at Charlestown, Virginia. The information is specific enough to be reliable. It convinces me that an attempt will be made to rescue the prisoners, and if that fails, then to seize citizens of this state as hostages and victims, in case of execution. The execution will take place next Friday as certainly as that Virginia can and will enforce her laws. I have been obliged to call out one thousand men, who are now under arms, and, if necessary, shall call out the whole available force of the state to carry into effect the sentence of our laws on the 2nd and 16th proximo. Places in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania have been occupied as depots and rendezvous by these desperadoes, unobstructed by guards or otherwise, to invade this state, and we are kept in continual apprehen- sion of outrages from fire and rapine on our borders. I apprise you of these facts, in order that you may take steps to preserve peace between the states. I protest that my purpose is peaceful, and that I disclaim all threats when I say, with all the might of meaning, that if another invasion assails this state or its citizens from any quarter, I will pursue the invaders wherever they may go, into any territory, and punish them wherever arms can reach them. I shall send a copy of this to the governors of Maryland, Ohio and Penn- sylvania. With due respect and consideration, Yours truly, HF.NRY A WISE. His Excellency James Buchanan, President of the United States. 52 Doc. No. 1. Answer of President Buchanan. Washington City, Nov. 28, 1859. Sin, I received, on yesterday, your favor of the 25th instant, stating that you have information, from various quarters, ou which you rely, "that a conspi- racy of formidable extent in means and numbers, is formed in Ohio, Pennsylva- nia, New York and other states, to rescue John Brown and his associates, prisoners at Charlestown, Virginia." The information you believe "is specific enough to be reliable," and you are convinced "that an attempt will be made to rescue the prisoners, and if that fails, then to seize citizens of this state (Vir- ginia) as hostages and victims, in case of execution." You do not communicate the facts on which your convictions are founded ; in the absence of which, it would seem almost incredible that any portion of the people of the states mentioned should be guilty of the atrocious wickedness, as well as fully of attempting to rescue convicted traitors and murderers from the penalty due to their crimes under the outraged laws of Virginia. You express entire confidence, in which I heartily participate, that the noble old common- wealth is abundantly able and willing to carry her own laws into execution. Had this beeu otherwise, and had you, as the governor of Virginia (the legislature not now being in session), made application to me for the aid which the constitu- tion and laws of the United States would enable me to afford, this should have been cheerfully and cordially granted. Still, there is one measure which, on the presumption that your information is w r ell founded, it is both ray right and my duty to adopt : that is, to reinforce tho guard already stationed at Harpers Ferry. This may become necessary not only to protect the public property clearly within federal jurisdiction, but to prevent the insurgents from seizing the arms in the arsenal at that place, and using them against the troops of Virginia. Besides, it is possible the additional troops may be required to act as a posse comitatus on the requisition of the marshal of the United States for the western district of \ ir- giuia, to prevent the rescue of Stevens, now in his custody, charged with the crime of high treason. I have, therefore, as a precautionary measure, directed the secretary of war to order two companies of artillery to proceed immediately from fortress Monroe to Harpers Ferry. You also inform me, that " places in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania have been occupied as depots and rendezvous by these desperadoes, unobstructed by guards or otherwise, to invade" Virginia; and you apprise me of theso facts, in order that I "may take steps to preserve peace between the states." I am at a loss to discover any provision in the constitution or laws of the United States, which would authorize me to " take steps" for this purpose. It is, doubtless, the imperative duty of the respective state governments to break Doc. No. 1. 53 up such depots, and to prevent their citizens from making incursions into Virginia, to disturb its peace or prevent the execution of its laws. If the federal execu- tive, however, were to enter those states and perform this duty for them, it would be a manifest usurpation of their rights. Were I thus to act, it would be a pal- pable invasion of state sovereignty, and, as a precedent, might prove highly dan- gerous. My authority for calling out the milira. or em loying the army and navy, is derived exclusively from the acts of congress of the 28th February 1795 and the 3d March 1807, which clearly do not embrace such a case as is now presented. It will not be pretended that such incursions from one state into another would be au invasion of the United States "from any foreign nation or Indian tribe," under the act of February 1795, rendering it lawful for the president to employ the federal forces " to repel such invasion." In conclusion, I beg to express the hope that, whether the information you have received be founded iu truth or not, the energetic measures already adopted under your direction, will prove sufficient for any emergency that may occur. Yours, very respectfully, JAMES BUCHANAN. His Excellency Henry A. Wise, Governor of Firginia — Richmond, Fa. 54 Doc. No. 1. Letter of Governor Wise to (he Governor of Maryland. Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859, Dear Sir, I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may compel us to pursue invaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affording places of depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our people. We are grateful to the troops of Maryland for the volunteer services they ren- dered to this state at Harpers Ferry; and we are well assured that if ordered or allowed to do so, they will prevent the borders of Maryland from being made the points whence to assail brethren who would gladly rush to their defence against any enemy. With the highest respect, I am, sir, yours truly, HENRY A. WISE. His Excellency the Governor of Maryland. Due. No. 1. 55 Answer of the Governor of Maryland. State of Maryland, Executive Chamber, Annapolis, November 29tb, 1859. Dear Sir, I have received the communication which you were good enough to send me, under date of the 25th instant, enclosing a copy of the letter addressed by you, on the same day, to the president of the United States, in relation to information which has reached you of the designs and threats of invading Virginia, and of rescuing Brown and his confederates from the custody of the law. The confidence you have expressed, that I will faithfully co-operate with the authorities of Virginia in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders, is justified by the measures I have already adopted, and by the means I will use to that end, as well as' by the plain interests and well known dispositions of the people of ibis state. While I regard the threats which have been reported, as the exaggerated or idle boastings of fanatics, whose courage is only sufficient to urge others to des- perate and treasonable enterprises, I have deemed it prudent to make such provisions, by my orders to the civil and military authorities of this state, and especially to those in the counties adjoining the scene of the late outrage, as will prevent the occupation of any place, within this stale, for a depot or rendezvous for lawless desperadoes, who may seek to make war upon the people of Virginia. In these, as well as in the character and disposition of the citizens of this state, I have complete confidence; and to these I will add, at once, such further measures as will remove, I trust, even the fear that the borders of this state may be made the points whence to assail the rights or the property of our brethren. With the highest respect, I am, sir, yours truly, THO. H. HICKS. His Excdkncy the Governor of Virginia. 56 Doc. No. 1. Letter of Governor Wise to the Governor of Pennsylvania. Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859. Dear Sir, I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may compel us to pursue invaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affording places of depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our people. With the highest respect, I am, sir, yours truly, HENRY A. WISE, His Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania, Doc. No. 1. 57 Answer {by Telegraph) of (he Governor of Pennsylvania. Executive Chamber, Harrisburg, Pa. December 1st. Your letter of the twenty-fifth (25th) having been missent to Harrisonburg, Virginia, was not received until this morning. Of all the desperadoes to whom you refer, not a man, so far as I can learn, was a citizen of Pennsylvania, nor was their rendezvous, which you say was un- obstructed by guards or otherwise, in this state, but in Maryland or Virginia. In relation to them, Pennsylvania has done her duty. Virginia has no right to anticipate that she will not do so in the future. The information you have received in regard to a conspiracy to rescue John Brown, will undoubtedly be found, in the sequel, utterly and entirely without foundation, so far as Pennsylvania is concerned; nor will we permit any portiou of our territory along our borders or elsewhere to be made a depot, a rendezvous, or a refuge for lawless desperadoes from other states, who may seek to make war upon our southern neighbors. When that contingency shall happen, the constitutional and confederate duty of Pennsylvania shall be performed ; and under all circumstances, she will take care to see that her honor is fully vindicated. WM. F. PACKER. His Excellency the Governor of Virginia. 58 Doc. No. 1. Letter of Governor Wise to the Governor of Ohio. Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859. Dear Sir, I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may compel us to pursue iuvaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affordiug places of depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our people. With the highest respect, » I am, sir, yours truly, HENRY A. WISE. His Excellency the Governor of Ohio. \ Doc. No. 1. 59 Executive Department, Dec. 6, 1859. The enclosed communication from the governor of Ohio, in answer to my Jetter addressed to him, and attached to my message of yesterday, has been since received. I respectfully ask that it may bo considered in connection with that message. Very respectfully, &c. HENRY A. WISE. To the Senate and House of Delegates of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 60 Doc. No. 1. Answer of the Governor of Ohio. State of Ohio, Executive Department, Columbus, December 1st, 1859. Sir, Your letter of the 25th ult., postmarked 26th, together with a copy of one of the same date, addressed by you to the president, were received yesterday. No intelligence other than that contained in these letters, has reached me of any such preparations as are described in them, and the letters themselves convey no 6uch information in respect to place or persons as is necessary to enable the au- thorities of the state, in the absence of other intelligence, to interpose with any certainty or tficct. Wheuever it shall be made to appear, either by evidence transmitted by you or otherwise, that unlawful combinations are being formed by any persons or at any place in Ohio, for the invasion of Virginia, or for the com- mission of crimes against her people, it will undoubtedly become the duty of the executive to use whatever power he may possess to break up such combinations and defeat their unlawful purposes, and that duty it need not be doubted will bo promptly performed. I observe with regret an intimation in your letter that necessity may compel the authorities of Virgiuia to pursue invaders of her jurisdiction into the territo- ries of adjoining states. It is to bo hoped that no circumstances will arise crea- ting, in their opinion, such necessity. Laws of the United States as well as the laws of Ohio indicate the mode in which persons charged with crime in another state and escaping into this, may be demanded and must be surrendered : and the people of this state will require from her authorities the punctual fulfilment of every obligation to the other members' of the Union. They cannot consent, however, to the invasion of her territory by armed bodies from other states, even for the purpose of pursuing and arresting fugitives from justice. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully yours, His Excellency Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia. S. P. CHASE. Doc. No. 1. 61 Letter of Col. Gibson to Governor Wise. Harpers Ferry, October 18, 1859, Sir, Your order, per telegraph, dated Richmond, Va., the 17th instant, call- ing my " attention to section 1st, chapter 29, of the Code, and to the fact that tho arsenal and government property at Harpers Ferry were in possession of a band of rioters," was not received till about 11 o'clock A. M. to-day, in consequence of tho telegraphic posts round about here having been cut down by an audacious band of insurgents and robbers. On the morning of the 17th instant I received information at Charlestowu, that a band of abolitionists from the north had taken possession of the arsenal and workshops of the government located here; that they had killed several of our citizens, taken others, and held them as prisoners; and that they had in possession a large number of slaves, who on the night of the 16th instant were forcibly taken from their masters. I immediately ordered out the Jefferson Guards and the citizens of Charles- town ; v\ hich order was quickly responded to, and by 10 o'clock A. M. were armed and en route for this place. We left Charlestowu with about one hundred men; and on reaching Halltown (midway between Charlestowu and Harpers Ferry) we learned that the insur- gents were in largo numbers; and we at once dispatched orders to Col. L. T. Moore of Frederick county, and to the Hamtramck Guards and Shepherdstown Troop, to reinforce us immediately. We reached Harpers Ferry about half past 11 o'clock A. M. and took our position on Cam]) hill. We immediately dis- patched the Jefferson Guards, commanded by Capt. J. W. Rowan and Lieuten- ants II. E. Davenport, E. II. Campbell and W. W. B. Gallaher, to cross the Potomac river about one mile west of the ferry, and march down on the Mary- land side, and take possession of the Potomac bridge, and a company of the citizens of Charlestowu and vicinity, commanded by Capt. L. Botts and Lieut. F. Lackland, to cross the Winchester and Potomac rail road, by way of Jefferson rock, and take possession of the Gait house in rear of the arsenal, and command- ing the entrance to the armory yard. Capt. John Avis and R. B. Washington, Esq., with a handful of men, were ordered to take possession of the houses com- manding the yard of the arsenal. All these orders were promptly and success- fully executed. The bridge across the Shenandoah river and that of the Balti- more and Ohio rail road at the west end of the trestlo work, and the street leading from the rifle factory, were guarded by small detachments of men. Between three and four o'clock P. M. the Hamtramck Guards, Shepherdstown Troop, and a company from Martinsburg, commanded by Capt. G. Alburtifl, G2 Doc. No. 1. arrived on the ground. The company from Winchester, commanded by Capt. B. B. Washington, did not arrive till late in the evening. All the insurgents, save those who were killed and wounded through the day, entered with their prisoners into the guard-house and engine-room just inside of the gate of the armory yard, which was firmly locked. About three o'clock P. M. the enemy, with the most prominent of their prisoners, couccntrated in the engine room, leaving a large number of their prisoners fastened up in the guard- house. At this point, and after the arrival of the reinforcements from Shepherds- town and Marti usburg, Col. It. W. Baylor assumed the commaud, and will fur- nish you with the details of what followed. The avowed and confessed object of the insurgents was to free the slaves of the south. They had at their head quarters near Harpers Ferry, 200 Sharpe's rifles, 200 revolvers, 1,000 pikes, a large number of picks and shovels, and a great quantity of ammunition and other things used in war. All these were taken, and are in possession of the federal government. Very respectfully, Your ob't serv't, JNO. TIIOS. GIBSON, Cornell. 55th Regiment. His Excellency Henry A. Vv^ise, Governor of Virginia. , Doc. No. 1. 63 Letter of Col. Baylor to Gov. TVise. Charlestown, Oct. 22, 1859. Sir, Having reeetred intelligence from Harpers Ferry, on the morning of the 17th instant, that the abolitionists had invaded our state, taken possession of the town, government property and arms, I immediately proceeded to the scene of action. In passing through Charlestown, I met Col. Gibson, with the Jefferson Guards, under arms. We proceeded to Halltown in the cars, where the citizens of that place informed me I could proceed no further with the train, as not only the Win- chester, but also the Baltimore and Ohio rail road track had been taken up. At this place I learned they had taken 75 or 100 of our citizens prisoners, and had carried off many of our slaves. Thereupon I issued the following order to Col. L. T. Moore of the 31st regiment of Virginia militia : "Oct. 17, 1859. Col. L. T. Moore: Sir, You are ordered to muster all the volunteer forces under your command, fully armed and equipped, aud report to me forthwith at Harpers Ferry. (Signed) ROBERT W. BAYLOR, Col. 3d Reg't Cavalry." I placed the above order in charge of Capt. Bailey, the conductor on the Win- chester road, and directed him to return with his train to Winchester and deliver the order to Col. Moore. I proceeded on with the few troops we had under arms, on foot, to Harpers Ferry, where we arrived about 12 o'clock. 1 found the citi- zens in very great excitement. By this time the insurgents occupied all the lower part of the town, had their sentinels posted on all the different streets, and had shot one of our citizens, and a negro man, who had charge of the depot on the Baltimore and Ohio rail road. I here formed two companies of the citizens, aud placed them under the command of Capt. Lawson Botts and Capt. John Avis. Their forces were variously estimated at from 300 to 500 strong, armed with Sharpe's rifles and revolvers. I detached the Jefferson Guards, under the command of Capt. Rowau, and ordered them to cross the Potomac river, in boats, about two miles above Harpers Ferry, and march down on the Maryland side, aud take possesson of the bridge, and permit no one to pass. This order was strictly executed. The command 64 Doc. No. 1. under Capt. Botts was ordered to pass down the hill below Jefferson's rock, and take possi luii of the Shenandoah bridge; to leave a strong guard at that point, ami to march down to the Gait house, in rear of the arsenal building, in which we supposed their men were lodged. Capt. Avis' command was ordered to take pos- session of the houses directly in front of the arsenal. Both of the above commands were promptly executed. By this movement we prevented any escape. Shortly after this, a report reached mc that Geo. W. Turner and Fontaine Beckham, two of our most esteemed citizens, had been shot. About 4 o'clock we were rein- forced by the arrival of the Ilamtramek Guards, under the command of Captain Butler, the Shepherdstown Troop, under the command of Capt. Reinhart, and some thirty citizens of Martinsburg, under the command of Capt. Alburtis. I ordered Capt. Alburtis to march down Potomac street, through the armory yard, to the arsenal. The Ilamtramek Guards and the Shepherdstown Troop (dis- mounted and armed with muskets), under my command, proceeded down High 8tre< I to i.: centre of the town, in front of the arsenal. During this march the insurgents having secreted themselves in the engine-house in the armory yard, opened a brisk fire on Capt. Alburtis' company. The fire was quickly returned by Capt. Alburtis' company, who behaved very bravely. The different compa- nies near at hand rallied to Capt. Alburtis' rescue. The firing at this time was heavy, and the insurgents could not have retained their position many minutes, when they presented at the door a white flag. The firing thereupon ceased ; and I ordered the troops to draw up in line in front of the arsenal. During this en- gagement and the previous skirmishes, we had teu men wounded — two I fear mortally. The insurgents had eleven killed, one mortally wounded, and two taken prisoners — leaving only five in the engine-house, and one of those seriously wounded. In this engagement we rescued about thirty of our citizens whom they held as prisoners in the guard-house. They still held in the engine-house teu citizens and five slaves. Immediately after the troops were withdrawn, Capt. Brown sent to me. through Isaac Russell, one of their prisoners, a verbal communication, stating, if I would permit him to cross the bridge with his prisoners, to some poiut beyond, he would 6et them at liberty. I scut him the following reply in writing : "Head Quarters Harpers Ferrt. Capt. John Broicn : Sir, Upon consultation with Mr. Isaac Russell, one of your prisoners, who has come to me on terms of capitulation, I say to you, if you will set at liberty our citizens, we will leave the government to deal with you concerning their property, as it may think most advisable. (Signed) ROBERT W. BAYLOR, Col. Commandant." Doc. No. J. 65 In reply, I received the following answer in writing : " Capt. John Brown answers : In consideration of all my men, whether living or dead, or wounded, being soon safely w and delivered up to me at this point, with all their arms and amunitiou, we will then take our prisoners and cross the Potomac bridge, a little beyond which we will set them at liberty ; after which we can negotiate about the gov- ernment property as may be best. Also we require the delivery of our horse and harness at the hotel. (Signed) To the above I returned the following; answer JOHN BROWN." "Hkad Quarters. Capt. John Brown: Sir, The terms you propose I cannot accept. Under no consideration will I consent to a removal of our citizens across the river. The only negotiations upon which I will consent to treat, are those which have been previously proposed to you. (Signed) ROBERT W. BAYLOR, Col. Commandant." These terms he declined. Night by this time had set in, and the weather being very inclement, I thought it best, for the safety of our citizens, whom they held as prisouers, to cease operations for the night. Should I have ordered an attack at that hour, and in total darkness, our troops would have been as likelv to have murdered our own citizens as the insurgents, all being in the same apartment. Having concluded to postpone another attack until morning, guards were posted around the armory, and every precaution taken to prevent escape. Our troops by this time required some refreshment, having been on active duty, and exposed to a heavy fall of rain all day. A little after night we were reinforced by Col. L. T. Moore of 31st regiment, having under his command the Continental Guards, 1/ commanded by Capt. Washington, and the Rifles, commanded by Capt. Clarke-^- V also three companies from Frederick, Maryland, under the command of Col. Shriver. About 12 o'clock Col. Lee arrived, haviug under his command eighty- five marines from Washington. The government troops took possession of the government property, and formed inside of the armory yard, in close proximity to the engine-house. In this position Col. Lee thought it best to remain until morning. The night passed without serious alarm, but not without intense ex- citement. It was agreed between Col. Lee and myself, that the volunteer forces should form around on the outside of the government property, and clear the streets of all citizens and spectators, to prevent their firing random shots, to the great danger of our soldiers, and to remain in that position whilst he would at- tack the engine-house with his marines. As soon as day dawned, the troops were 9 06 Doc. No. 1. drawn up in accordance with the above arrangement. After which, Col. Lee demanded of the insurgents a surrender, upon the terms I had before proposed to them, which they still declined. The marines were then ordered to force the doors. The attempt was made with heavy sledges, but proved ineffectual. They were then ordered to attack the doors with a heavy ladder, which was lying a short distance off. After two powerful efforts, the door was shattered sufficiently to obtain an eutrance. Immediately a heavy volley was fired in by the marines, and an entrance effected, which soon terminated the conflict. In this engagement the marines had one killed and one slightly wounded. The insurgents had two killed and three taken prisoners. After the firing ceased, the imprisoned citizens walked out unhurt. Ascertaining that the whole party within the town were either killed or taken prisoners, I disbanded all the troops, with the exception of the Jefferson Guards, whom I retained on duty to prevent any further disturbances, should they About 12 o'clock on Tuesday, information having been received that a large number of arms were secreted in a house in the mountain, the Independent Grays of Baltimore were dispatched to search for them. They returned about 6 o'clock, having found 200 Sharpe's rifles, 200 revolvers, 23,000 percussion caps, 100,000 percussion pistol caps, 10 kegs of gunpowder, 1,300 ball cartridges for Sharpe's rifles, 1 major general's sword, 1,500 pikes, and a large assortment of blankets and clothing of every description. On Wednesday the prisoners were placed in the custody of the sheriff of our county, and safely lodged in jail. Disturbances still occurring on the Maryland side of the river, I marched the Jefferson Guards over and made a thorough examination of their rendezvous — found it deserted, and every thing quiet. We returned about 6 o'clock to the ferry. Shortly after, there was another general alarm, which caused great excitement. The alarm was occasioned by a gentleman, residing in Pleasant valley, riding into town in great haste, and stating that he saw firing and heard the screams of the people, and that a large number of insurgents had collected, and were murdering all before them. Forthwith, Col. Lee, with thirty marines, proceeded to the spot, and the Jefferson Guards took possession of the bridge. In about three hours Col. Lee re- turned, the alarm having proved to have been false. Nothing further having occurred during the night to disturb the quiet of the town, on the following morn- ing I disbanded the company, and returned home. I feel it my duty, before closing this report, to state that the arms in the posses- sion of the volunteer companies in this section of the 6tate are almost worthless. I do not think we have 100 muskets in the county of Jefferson — a border county, and one the most exposed of all others. With such arms as we have, it is butchery to require our troops to face au enemy much better equipped. Col. Moore of the 31st regiment informs me, in his report, that out of one hundred and thirty-five men on duty, he had not thirty pieces that would fire with any effect. If the state expects her volunteers to protect her, she must arm them better. Knowing the great interest that will be felt throughout the state, and to vindicate Doc. No. 1. 67 the houor and valor of the troops uuder ray command, I have been more than necessarily minute in this report. I am pleased to inform you that they obeyed every order with alacrity, and with a full determination to do their duty. The prisoners are doing well, and I do not fear any attempt will be made to rescue them, or that any further disturbances will occur. I have the houor to be, Very respectfully, ROBERT W. BAYLOR, Col. commanding the Va. Troops at Harpers Ferry. L^C. SJi^rk 6-cUcT Out. -fa-uJjUvJ^ 68 Doc. No. 1. Sir, Letter of Henry Hudnall, Esq. to Governor Wise. Richmond, November 17th, 1851). Herewith I have the honor to submit to your excellency the fruits of the mission on which you were pleased to send me to Charlestown, where the trial of the insurgents in the recent Harpers Ferry affair, was then going en. On arriving at Charlestown, I at once made known my business to the Hon. Andrew Hunter, who. with that urbane kindness so characteristic of the man, made every arrangement for the quiet and immediate prosecution of my work. I found a large quantity of matter, consisting of letters, journals, memorandum books; printed matter, such as the "Provisional Constitution" and the "Duty of the Soldier," of which there were many copies, blank forms of commissions, both civil and military, a rail road map of the United States and Canada, a map of the seat of war in Northern Italy, and extracts cut from newspapers, chiefly the New York Tribune; together with cards and circulars of manufacturers and agents for the sale of seven shooters and Sharpe's rifles. There were, also, printed certificates of "honorable" service in the Kansas wars, signed by Gen. Jim Lane. Besides these were numerous scraps of paper — sibylline leaves — which were the receptacles of stray thoughts, mostly in the handwriting of Kagi and John Brown, and a diary in photographic abbreviations, which, from the cha- racter of the writing, I should judge, was kept by Owen Brown. Its contents are chiefly remarks on the weather, references to controversies on abstract sub- jects between Tidd and Whipple (as Stephens called himself) of evenings; of hauling with teams, of drilling so many hours, of studying tactics, of writing let- ters, and of meeting with acquaintances. In some places he alludes to his sins, in mock contrition asks, in the most beseeching manner, for the prayers of his brothers and sisters in his behalf, and adds that the tears of repentance are rolling down his cheeks "as big as goose eggs." There are uo dates nor places of any consequence mentioned, nor any allusion to his father's scheme, unless "drilling" aud " tactics" may be so construed. There is a loose piece of paper found with this diary, which seems to be a continuation of it, in the same style aud hand- writing. Among the last entries on this piece of paper, are the following ex- pressions: "Dfens. Trn. Stats evdens. Moffat as guilty as I." There is, among Brown's Kansas papers, his commission as captain in Lane's army of deliverance. Also the muster roll of Brown's company in Kansas. But it docs not appear that any of those men were with him in his foray on Har- pers Ferry, except his son Oliver. There is, also, a long, well written and inte- resting letter from John Brown, jr. to his father, describing, with much minute- ness, his routes, encampnients, and other incidents connected with his earlier Kansas life. This sou appears to be the most intelligent aud the best educated of all Brown's children, whose correspondence I have seen. While he seems to Doc. No. I. 69 possess all of his father's aeuteness, he certainly excels him in accuracy of ex- pression. His handwriting is bold and admirable. Kagi, secretary of war in Brown's late provisional army, figures but slightly among the Kansas papers. There are several letters in phonetic cipher, dated in 185C, addressed to him at Topeka. There is evidence that, about this time, ho was an occasional correspondent of the New York Tribune; but it was not till after the organization of the provisional government at Chatham in May 1858, that the late secretary of war ("J. Heurie," as he signed himself) became a great letter writer. But of all the party, Charles P. Tidd appears to have had the most extensive correspondence. There is nearly a half bushel of letters, from various parts of New England and from the Northwest, addressed to him at Springdale and Ta- bor, Iowa, and at Chatham, Canada West. The dates range from 1856 to Sep- tember 1859. Many of these letters are from Quaker ladies, if I may judge from the free use of " thees" and " thous" in them. Old Mother Varney, one of these ladies of the Quaker persuasion, seems to have taken a deep interest in Tidd's welfare, and to have scattered letters upon him like leaves in Vallombrosa. She writes about every thing and every body, and is decidedly the Dame Quickly of the party. A joint letter of hers and of her sou Moses, to Tidd and Whipple (Stephens), is given in the copied correspondence. In the latter part of Mrs- Varney's portion, those who are curious about such things, will find a piece of rhyming prose, such as was very much admired some years ago in one of Dick- ens' Christmas Stories. The letter, however, is chiefly valuable as showing the moral character of the couple to whom it was addressed. Tidd was originally from Maine, and like many an errant New England boy. seems to have had a christian mother and a gentle sweet sister, who "On his wandering way, Daily and nightly, poured a mourner's prayers." There are many letters from them to him, especially from his sister Elizabeth, filled with the tenderest and most christian-like sentiments. In wading through masses of papers filled with the thoughts and schemes of these bloody men and their backers, it was a relief to come to such expressions as these from a loving, hoping, trusting sister to a brother whom she appears not to have seen for years: "Does spring come there as early as here in New England ? Do the birds sing as sweetly and the brooks dance as merrily there ? Do you not miss the hills of old Maine ?" Again, after drawing home pictures, and telling him about her teaching school at Prentiss, and asking him when he will come back, she closes her letter as follows: "I must close, dear brother, the shadows of night aro lengthening, the deep blue of old Katahdin is growing slowly deeper and darker, and the twilight is coming down upon the woods and waters of New England. Good night, dear bub, good night !" But his good angel does not appear to have been always whispering in his ear; 70 Doc. No. 1. for at the close of a letter about family matters, dated March 12th, 1858, is this addition from one who signs herself "Mary:" "Dear brother, you see the space allotted to me, so I must be very comprehensive. I expect you are only waiting for that constitution to pass the house and you are ready to take up armes against the slave power. Be it so. And the God of Gideou be with you, is the prayer of her who never expects to see you again, but hopes to meet you in that world where kindred spirits meet to part no more." Leeman's sister also wrote him beautiful letters in the most delicate of hands. She gave him much good advice, and asked when she should see him again. Whether he took her advice, or whether she will ever see him again, can best be answered by the waters of the Potomac, which murmur by the rock where he met his fate. J. H. Kagi, too, seems not to have been always sending and receiving warlike missives; for there is a letter to him, telling him about "Jinnie's" having his "daguerreotype," and " Nett sends her love; says she would not mind to hear a word from you." But this was in the Kansas days. After overhauling and thoroughly examining this miscellaneous mass, I proceed, according to your instructions, to arrange and transcribe only such papers as were either directly or collaterally connected with Brown's scheme for an armed inva- sion of the south, and more particularly with reference to his late attempt on Vir- ginia soil. The correspondence of him and his men on this subject, the letters of their friends and co-operators at a distance, some sending money and others send- iug sympathy, and bidding them "God's speed" — plaus, suggestions, hints, have all been carefully copied. Such letters or other documentary evidence, as tended to throw any light on the character of the meu engaged in " prospecting" for "coal," have been introduced. A full account of the provisional convention at Chatham, in May 1858 (which appears to have been the first regular organization of Brown's plan, although the affair had been the subject of consultation as early, at least, as the beginning of that year, as appears from the correspondence of Tidd, which has been copied), is taken from the records of their secretary Kagi, who wrote a good hand, and appears to have had considerable capacity for busi- ness, both civil and military. Their Declaration of Independence bears strong iuterual proof of having been the work of Brown, parodied on the colonial declaration, with some very original variations and interpolations by Brown him- self, the whole being copied by his son Owen, and fixed upon a roller, from which I unwound it to make the copy I have giveu. The constitution has been acknowledged by Brown to be his work. That and the forms of commissions for civil and military offices, are understood to have been printed at St. Catha- rine's, iu Canada West. Whatever paper has been copied, has been done precisely as it is in the origi- nal, with all the bad grammar, bad orthography, and recklessness iu the use, or utter disregard of, punctuation marks and capitals. I have endeavored to fulfill your wishes, by developing the plaus and conspi- racies which have but just threatened our border with all the horrors of a servile Doc. No. 1. 71 war, in the language of the conspirators themselves, and to make them show who were their " particular friends," aiders and abettors. In doing this, I rejected piles of letters which might prove interesting to the sentimentalist, or to the lover of scandal, but which were of no other use. The work might have been more systematically arranged, could I have had all the correspondence before me at the commencement. The most interesting and pointed part of the correspondence of John Brown, Kagi, John Brown, jr., and of their friends, could not be placed in my hands till after the trial of Cook, by which time most of the other documents had been examined and copied. They are all in, however, though in scattered order. Such as it is, the whole is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, Your excellency's humble servant, HENRY HUDNALL. His Excellency Henry A. Wise. 72 Doc. No. 1. [Copy of constitution rtferred to by Brown and other prisoners, and 06ed aa evidence in their trial. Adopted at Chatham, May 8th, 1838.] Provisional Constitution and Ordinances for the People of the United Slates. PREAMBLE. Whereas, Slaver?/, throughout its entire existence in the United States, is none other than a most barbapous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable War of one portion of its citizens upon another portion; the only conditions of which arc perpetual imprisonment, and hopeless servitude or absolute extermination; in utter disregard and violation of those eternal and self evident trutlis set forth in our Declarati&n of Indep&idence : Therefore, We, Citizens of the United States, and the Oppressed People, who, by a recent decision of the supreme court are declared to have no rights which the White Man is bound to respect ; together with all other people degraded by the laws thereof, do, for the time being ordain and establish for ourselves, the following provisional constitu- TION and ORDINANCES, the better to protect our Persons, Property, Lives, and Liberties; and to govern our actions: ARTICLE I. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. All persons of mature age, whether Proscribed, oppressed and enslaved Citizens, or of the Proscribed and oppressed races of the United States, who shall agree to sustain and enforce the Provisional Constitution and Ordinances of this organization, together with all minor children of such persons, shall be held to be fully entitled to protection under the 6aine. ARTICLE II. BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. The provisional government of this organization shall consist of three branches, viz :, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. ARTICLE III. LEGISLATIVE. The legislative branch shall be a Congress or House of Representatives, composed of not less than five, nor more than ten members, who shall be elected by all citizens of ma ture age and of sound mind, connected with this organization; and who shall remain in office for three years, unless sooner removed for misconduct, inability, or by death. A majority of such members shall constitute a quorum. ARTICLE IV. EXECUTIVE. The executive branch of this organization shall consist of a President and Vice Presi- dent, who shall be chosen by the citizens or members of this organization, and each of whom shall hold his office for three years, unless sooner removed by death, or for inability or misconduct. Doc. No. 1. 73 ARTICLE V. The judicial branch of this organization shall consist of one Chief Justice of the Su- preme Court, and of four Associate Judges of said court; each constituting a Circuit Court. They shall each be chosen in the same manner as the President, and shall continue in office until their places have been filled in the same manner by election of the citizeus. Said court shall have jurisdiction in all civil or criminal causes, arising under this consti- tution, except breaches of the Rules of War. ARTICLE VI. VALIDITY OF ENACTMENTS. All enactments of the legislative branch shall, to become valid, during the first three years, have the approbation of the President, and of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. ARTICLE VII. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. A Commander-in Chief of the army shall be chosen by the President, Vice President, a majority of the provisional congress, and of the supreme court, and he shall receive his commission from the President, signed by the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the supreme court, and the Secretary of War: and he shall hold his office for three years, unless removed by death, or on proof of incapacity or misbehavior. He shall, unless un- der arrest, (and until his place is actually filled as provided for by this constitution) direct all movements of the army, and advise with any allies. He shall however, be tried, re- moved or punished, on complaint to the President, by, at least, three general officers, or a majority of the House of Representatives, or of the supreme court; which House of Representatives, (the President presiding,) the Vice President, and the members of the supreme court, shall constitute a court-martial, for his trial ; with power to remove or punish, as the case may require; and to fill his place a6 above provided. ARTICLE VIII. A Treasurer, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury, shall each be chosen for the first three years, in the same way and manner as the Commander- in-chief; subject to trial or removal on complaint of the President, Vice President, or Commander-in-chief, to the Chief Justice of the supreme court; or on complaint of tho majority of the members of said court, or the provisional congress. The supreme court shall have power to try or punish either of those officers; and their places shall be filled an before. ARTICLE IX. SECRETARY OF WAR. The Secretary of War shall be under the immediate direction of the Commander-in- chief; who may temporarily fill his place, in case of arrest, or of any inability to serve. 10 74 Doc. No. 1. ARTICLE X. CONGRESS OR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House of Representatives sli all make ordinances providing for the appointment (by the President or otherwise) of all civil officers, excepting those already named; and shall have power to make all laws and ordinances for the general good, not inconsistent with this constitution and these ordinances. ARTICLE XL APPROPRIATION OF MONEY, &C. The provisional congress shall have power to appropriate money or other properly ac- tually in the hands of the Treasurer, to any object calculated to promote the general good, so far as may be consistent with the provisions of this constitution; and may in certain cases, appropriate, for a moderate compensation of agents, or persons not members of this organization, for important service they are known to have rendered. ARTICLE XIL SPECIAL DUTIES, It shall be the duty of Congress to provide for the instant removal of any civil officer or policeman, who becomes habitually intoxicated, or who is addicted to other immoral con- duct, or to any neglect or unfaithfulness in the discharge of his official duties. Congress shall also be a standing committee of Safety, for the purpose of obtaining important in- formation: and shall be in constant communication with the Commander-in-chief; the members of which shall each, as also the President, Vice President, members of the su- preme court, and Secretary of State, have full power to issue warrants returnable as Con- gress shall ordain, (naming witnesses, &c.,) upon their own information, without the for- mality of a complaint. Complaint shall be immediately made after arrest, and before trial; the party arrested to be served with a copy at once. ARTICLE XIII. TRIAL OF PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICERS, The President and Vice President may either of them be tried, removed or punished, on complaint made to the Chief Justice of the supreme court, by a majority of the House of Representatives; which house, together with the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court, the whole to be presided over by the Chief Justice in cases of the trial of the Vice President, shall have full power to try such officers, to remove, or punish as the case may require ; and to fill any vacancy so occurring, the same as in case of the Commander-in- chief ARTICLE XIV. TRIAL OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. The members of the House of Representatives may any and all of them be tried, and on conviction, removed or punished on complaint before the Chief Justice of the supremo court, made by any number of the members of said house, exceeding one third ; which house, with the Vice President and Associate Judges of the supreme court, shall constitute the proper tribunal, with power to fill such vacancies. Doc. No. 1. 75 'ARTICLE XV. IMPEACHMENT OF JUDGES. Any member of the supreme court may also be impeached, tried, convicted or punished by removal or otherwise, on complaint to the President, who shall in such case, preside; the Vice President, House of Representatives, and other members of the supreme court, constituting the proper tribunal: (with power to fill vacancies;) on complaint of a ma- jority of said house of representatives, or of the supreme court; a majority of the whole baring power to decide. ARTICLE XVI. DUTIES OF PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY OF STATE. The President, with the Secretary of State, shall immediately upon entering on the duties of their office, give special attention to secure, from amongst their own people, men of integrity, intelligence and good business habits, and capacity; and above all, of firstrate moral and religious character and influence, to act as civil officers of every description and grade, as well as teachers, chaplains, physicians, surgeons, mechanics, agents of every description, clerks and messengers. They shall make special efforts to induce at the earliest possible period, persons and families of that description, to locate themselves within the limits secured by this organization; and shall, moreover, from time to time, supply the names and residence of such persons to the congress, for their special notice and information, as among the most important of their duties, and the President is hereby authorized and empowered to afford special aid to such individuals, from such moderate appropriations as the Congress shall be able and may deem it advisable to make fur that object. The President and Secretary of State, and in cases of disagreement, the Vice President, shall appoint all civil officers, but shall not have power to remove any officer. All removals shall be the result of a fair trial, whether civil or military. ARTICLE XVII. FURTHER DUTIES. It shall be the duty of the President and Secretary of State, to find out (as soon as pos- sible) the real friends, as well as enemies of this organization in every part of the country ; to secure among them, innkeepers, private postmasters, private mail-contractors, mes- Bengers and agents: through whom may be obtained correct and regular information, con- stantly; recruits for the service, places of deposit and sale; together with all needed sup- lilies : and it shall be matter of special regard to secure such facilities through the North- ern States. ARTICLE XVIII. DUTY OF THE PRESIDENT. It shall be the duty of the President, as well as the House of Representatives, at all times to inform the Commander-in-chief of any matter that may require his attention, or that may affect the public safety. ARTICLE XIX. DUTY OF PRESIDENT — CONTINUED. It shall be the duty of the President to seo that the provisional ordinances of this or- ganization, and those made by the Congress, are promptly and faithfully executed; and he 76 Doc. No. 1. may in cases of great urgency call on the Commander-in-chief of the army, or other offi- cers for aid ; it being however intended that a sufficient civil police shall always be in readiness to secure implicit obedience to law. ARTICLE XX. THE VICE PRESIDENT. The Vice President shall be the presiding officer of the provisional congress; and in cases of tie shall give the casting vote. ARTICLE XXI. VACANCIES. In case of the death, removal, or inability of the President, the Vice President, and next to him the Chief Justice of the supreme court shall be the President during the remainder of the term : and the place of the Chief Justice thus made vacant shall be filled by Con- gress from some of the members of said court; and the places of the Vice President and Associate Justice thus made vacant, filled by an election by the united action of the Pro- visional Congress and members of the supreme court. All other vacancies, not hereto- fore specially provided for, shall during the first three years, be filled by the united action of the President, Vice President, Supreme Court and Commander-in chief of the Army. ARTICLE XXII. PUNISHMENT OF CRIMES. The punishment of crimes not capital, except in case of insubordinate convicts or other prisoners, shall be, (so far as may be,) by hard labor on the public works, roads, &c. ARTICLE XXIII. ARMY APPOINTMENTS. It shall be the duty of all commissioned officers of the army, to name candidates of merit for office or elevation to the Commander-in chief, who, with the Secretary of War, and, in cases of disagreement, the President shall be the appointing power of the army : and all commissions of military officers shall bear the signatures of the Commander-in- chief and the Secretary of War. And it shall be the special duty of the Secretary of War to keep for constant reference of the Commander-in-chief a full list of names of pejrsons nominated for office, or elevation, by the officers of the army, witli the name and rank of the officer nominating, 'stating distinctly but briefly the grounds for such notice or nomination. The Commander-in-chief shall not have power to remove or punish any officer or soldier; but he may order their arrest and trial at any time, by court-martial. ARTICLE XXIV. COURTS MARTIAL. Courts martial for Companies, Regiments, Brigades, &c, shall bo called by the chief officer of each command, on complaint, to him by any officer, or any five privates, in such command, and shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine officers, non-commis- sioned officers and privates, one-half of whom shall not be lower in rank than the person on trial, to be chosen by the three highest officers in the command, which officers shall not be a part of such court. The chief officer of any command shall of course bo tried by a court martial of the command above his own. All decisions affecting the lives of persons, Doc. No. 1. 77 or office of persons holding commission must, before taking full effect have the signature of the Commander-in-chief, who may also, on the recommendation of at least one-third of the members of the court martial finding any sentence, grant a reprieve or commutation of the same. ARTICLE XXV. No person connected with this organization shall be entitled to any salary, pay or emolu- ment, other than a competeut support of himself and family, unless it be from an equal dividend, made of public property, on the establishment of peace, or of special provision by treaty ; which provision shall be made for all persons who may have been in any active civil or military service at any time previous to any hostile action for Liberty and Equality. ARTICLE XXVI. TREATIES OF PEACE. Before any treaty of peace shall take full effect, it shall be signed by the President aud Vice President, the Commander in-chief, a majority of the House of Representatives, a majority of the supreme court, and majority of all the general officers of the army. ARTICLE XXVII. DUTY OP THE MILITARY. It shall be the duty of the Commander-in-chief, and all officers and soldiers of the army, to afford special protection when needed, to Congress, or any member thereof; to the su - preme court, or any member thereof; to the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secre- tary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of War; and to afford general protection to all civil officers, or other persons having right to the same. ARTICLE XXVIII. PROPERTY. All captured or confiscated property, and all property the product of the labor of those belonging to this organization and of their families, shall be held as the property of the whole, equally, without distinction ; and may be used for the common benefit, or disposed of for the same objeet; and any person, officer or otherwise, who shall improperly retain, secrete, use, or needlessly destroy such property, or property found, captured or confis- cated, belonging to the enemy, or shall willfully neglect to render a full and fair statement of such property by him so taken or held, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction, shall be punished accordingly. ARTICLE XXIX. SAFETY OR INTELLIGENCE FUND. All money, plate, watches or jewelry, captured by honorable warfare, found, taken, or confiscated, belonging to the enemy, shall be held sacred, to constitute a liberal safety or intelligence fund; and any person who shall improperly retain, dispose of, hide, use, or destroy such money or other article above named, contrary to this provisions and spirit of this article, shall be deemed guilty of theft; and on conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly. The Treasurer shall furnish the Commander-in-chief at all times with a full statement of the condition of such fund, and its nature. 78 Doc. No. 1. ARTICLE XXX. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND THE TREASURY". The Commander-in chief shall have power to draw from the treasury, the money ami other property of the fund provided for in Article twenty ninth, but his orders shall bo signed also by the Secretary of War, who shall keep strict account of the same; subject to examination by any member of Congress, or general officer. ARTICLE XXXI. SURPLUS OF THE SAFETY OR INTELLIGENCE FUND. It shall be the duty of the Commander-in-chief to advise the President of any Surplus of the Safety and Intelligence Fund ; who shall have power to draw such Surplus, (his- order being also signed by the Secretary of State,) to enable him to carry out the provi- sions of Article Seventeenth.. ARTICLE XXXII. PRISONERS. No person, after having surrendered himself or herself a prisoner, and who shall pro- perly demean himself or herself as such, to any officer or private connected with this or- ganization, shall afterward be put to death, or be subjected to any corporeal punishment, without first having had the benefit of a fair and impartial trial: nor shall any prisoner be treated with any kind of cruelty, disrespect, insult, or needless severity: but i!s shall be the duty of all persons, male and female, connected herewith, at all times and under all circumstances, to treat all such prisoners with every degree of respect and kindness the nature of the circumstances will admit of; and to insist on a like course of conduct from all others, as in the fear of Almighty God, to whose care and keeping we commit our cause. ARTICLE XXXIII. VOLUNTARIES. All persons who may come forward and shall voluntarily deliver up their slaves, and have their names registered on the Books of the organization, shall, so long as they con- tinue at peace, be entitled to the fullest protection of person and property, though not connected with this organization, and shall be treated as friends, and not merely as persons neutral. ARTICLE XXXIY. NEUTRALS. The persons and property of all non-slaveholders who shall remain absolutely neutral, shall be respected so far as the circumstances can allow of it ; but they shall not be en- titled to any active protection. ARTICLE XXXV. NO NEEDLESS WASTE. The needless waste or destruction of any useful property or article, by fire, throwing open of fences, fields, buildings, or needless killing of animals, or injury of either, shall not bo tolerated at any time or place, but shall be promptly and properly punished. Doc. No. 1. 79 ARTICLE XXXVI. 1'ROrERTY CONFISCATED. The entire personal and real property of all persons known to be acting either directly Tidd We received your letters of the 3d inst. (Dated at Chatham) thi^ raorniug and they have caused me much pain on your hehalf, for I cauuot con- sent to believe that there should be so much treachery and hypocracy harbored in two such noble hearts as yours as to premeditate any evil action towards those who you new were your true friends. I have addressed you both in one letter for you are both interested and I have not time to write two letters now I shall pro- bably speak very plain to you but I do not do it with any feelings of revenge or hatred but in that love which I feel for the welfare of my fellow beings that I may convince you of your error and convict your hearts of sin and cause them to be melted in the furnace of regeneration and love to God which produces good will in our hearts to all the world. It is exceedingly to be regretted that anything should have hapened just on the eve of your departure that should cause such an excitement and unless more satisfactory^ explained must produce a separation of that true friendship which has ever existed between us, and which I would wish to continue through life. You very well know that when you first came here the subject of morality among the young folks was frequently discussed in the family and by your advocating cjertaiu rules by which young people should be governed and seeing nothing in your conduct to make us think you were not sincere we placed full confidence in you that you would be willing to walk by the same rule you marked out for others In the first place I wish to say to Tidd if he has in his young days led a profligate life and wishes to reform as he says he does and I have no reason to doubt his intentions that he must never place him- self in a situation to tempt others and then he will not tempt himself if we are satisfied that we have any weakness it is our duty to strengthen them by firmness and perseverence in well doing I would say to Whipple that if he knew Tidd's character before and held him as an associate I must consider him equally re- sponsible, for your intimacy led us to believe you were firm friends and we placed that confidence in you that we did not believe either of you would be guilty knowingly of doing a mean act I cannot understand how such fervent love as you have professed here can be pure and yet feel such distrust and jealousy as thou hast manifested by thy writing and also by the conversation you had here the morning thee left here the last time true love casteth out all fear and is apli- cable in that case as well as the love of God surely there cau be no true love where there is distrust and jealousy and certainly I can never consent for my daughter to marry a man who does not believe she is virtuous She asserts her innocence before the God that created her and I have got to have more evideuce than I have seen yet to dispute her word, I can forgive you all the past aud praj for you in future but you must allow me to look upon you with distrust until I cau see by your perseverence in well doing that you are really sincere, we are all falible beings and liable to get out of the way any minute we leave the watch tower therefore the necesity for the injunction watch aud pray continually lest ye euter into temptation, it is also necessary for us to have charity one for another for we know not how soon we may be overtaken in a fault ourselves. Doc. No. I. 97 If you were to come hack to morrow we should greet you with friendship and do hy you just as we have done hur. we should have to get acquainted with you again in order to restore that confidence we once placed in you I have not much more to write myself I will close and write some for mother. from your well wishing friend MOSES VARNEY. You may he assured that we shall not say anything outside the family that will injuie your character here so that you need not fear to come hack if you are spared with life and health to do so. Mother says to Tidd she can forgive him all if he can say in truth that Eiis- heth is none the worse for their intimacy she says she feared there was something wrong by his actions before he left but could not believe that he would ever make such an attempt wc may make all the resolves that can pass through our heads to try to reform but unless we give our whole hearts to God and rely upon his mercy and grace Ave are not safe, O Tidd if thee could only know my feeling and the bitter tears I have shed since thee would never suffer the temptation to have a place in thy heart but none but a mother can ever realize such feelings. Many days and hours have passed since we met together last yet our lives do still remain here on earth. Children tell me how you do does your love continue true, if you want to hear from me how I am or what I be here. I am behold who will sure I am a sinner still worse and worse myself I see yet the Lord remembers me tis religion that can give sweetest pleasures while we live tis religion mist supply solid comfort when we die after death its joys will be lasting as eternity by the living God my friend then thy bliss shall never end the Spirit calls O Tidd yield, to his power O grieve him not away seek him every hour let not a moment pass without a fer- vent prayer that God would keep the from every foul snare, remember Tidd remember my prayers shall ever be up to the God of heaven for thy prosperity. We wrote two letters and put them in one wrapper and mailed them to Chat- ham Canada West they were mailed the fifth directed to Charles Plummer. Tidd when thee gets this write and tell me the truth and the whole truth and keep uothiug back I feel that that would relieve me. We do not wish to create any hard feelings between you but we must tell the truth if it does hurt you, now Tidd thee claims there was no premeditated action, did thee not tell Whipple thee knew thee could do it and meant to before thee left now Whipple says thee told him so ; if that be the case thee must be trying to deceive us, and if it is not the case, Whipple has been to blame in telling it but our impressions are you are both to blame wo want you to think seriously what you have done and plead wiih your God for his forgiveness. We can and will forgive if you will so live as to be reconciled to God wc blame Whipple for not telling what he knew while you 13 98 Doc. No. 1. were both here and then ive could have talked face to face, now with our sincere desires for you and prayers for your everlasting hapiness I remain your friend so farewell. CHARLOTTE VARNEY. We want you both to write as soon as you get this Remember us to Realf, Cook, Owen, Steward and the old Captain in par- ticular. [In this, as in all the letters and other documents copied, the spelling and punctuation of the originals have been carefully followed. — Trans.] [5.] Chatham, Aug. 16th (Sabbath) 1858. J. H. Kagi, Esqr. ; Dear Sir : I this moment received your kind favor, and am pleased to hear from you, "Uncle," and Mr. Tidd. Hope ere this reaches you, that "Uncle" will have recovered from his febrile attack. Say to Mr. Tidd, that I have sent the letter on to Mr. Realf, New York City, which he sent in my caro for him. I also enclose one that I have for some time had from Mr. Moffit for you, but did not know where to send it till now. Richardson and Thomas are still here, both of them quite industrious and doing well. I have not seen Richardson since I received your letter to-day, but have seen Bell, Shadd, Jackson, and Thomas. W. II. Day is now here, and will be for some days. Tell uncle, I received his letter dated at Syracuse, N. Y., and Postmarked " Rochester," where I suppose it was dropped in the office. I am not at present advised as to where Col. C. Lehman, Smith and the rest of them are, but think they are in the " Reserve" District, Ohio. There is nothing new here nor worthy of note. I have been anxiously looking and expecting to see something of uncle's movements in the papers, but as yet have seen nothing, the letter from you being the intimation of his whereabouts since he wrote me. Please send me any paper which may mention your doings. All are in good spirits here, hoping and waiting the "Good Time Coming." With the kindest remembrance, I am, dear sir, sincerely your Friend, M. R. DELANV. Doc. No 1. !)9 J. H. Kagi, Esq. Lawrence, K. T. U. S. Friend Kagi seeing a letter for you from Canada and knowing that a letter from there would relate to bisiuess I took the liberty to peruse it I know you will not think hard TIDD. [6.] , Kinsman, 11th mo 14th 56. Dear Wm. You Cuss! I went to Richmond to see. you & those pictures was disappointed in not seeing them. I was very much pleased when you gave me permission to get them. After reading Matties letter I was sure that there was a letter at E. A. Fowks for me from Lizzie. So I got a hoarse & rode up there in the mud & rain. I went to the office first, there was nothing for you or me. Then I went up to the Olde Mill & asked the women if I could go to your trunk, they gave me permission. When I found the trunk the darned kee would not fit. You had better think I was mad enough to smash the dam'd trunk. Then 1 went down to Elex, it was after dark & no one at home. I built a fire and looked all over the house for letters hut found none. Then I ate almost a whole apple pie & started for home a going by C. Mofiatt works to see if he had hearde from any of the boys. 1 stoped out in the road in front of the house and hollered he came out and tolde me to go in I would not but he took holde of my hoarse 6c led him in the barn. So I went in & found E. A. Foabs & wife Martha & Louisa there a eating Roasted Turkey. 1 went back to E. A. & staid all night sat up until] after 3 o'clock & then went to bed & came home the next morning. Now 1 want you to send me the right kee in a letter the next mail. Chas has not hearde from any of the Boys or Old Man Yours Truly L. F. PEARSONS. [ This letter is without envelope or direction, but is supposed to have beeu ad- dressed to Wm. Leeman. The Richmond mentioned, is probably Richmond, Astabula, O. — Trans.] Lakeland, M'ch 28th, '58. Dear Brother Charles, Yours of 11th inst. come to hand safe it has filled my heart with sorrow I cannot tell you all I think on the subject in this letter for I have prayed over and thought and dreamed and even wept over the course you are pursueing 100 Doc. No. 1. my brother do think of your course of how wrong you r.rc like old Job I will fill my mouth with arguments and call loud on thee my brother. You surely do not go against state rights and admitting this then the slave states have the same right to hold slaves constitutionally that the north have to prohibit it Where does slavery commence not when man subjects his fellow to bondage o no indeed this is not the worst form of slavery the evil comenced when one man by em- ploying a number of his fellows and he himself lived on the profits of their labor. Thus toiling year after year the laborer becomes more ignorant and poor the em- ployer more wise and wealthy and bye and bye the poor man becomes an easy victim to the cupidity of aristocrat. What he first received pay for he at last is oblidged to do for nothing. Now let me lay down a rule that shall do away with slavery Let each and every man produce with mauuel labor what he consumes Beyound and far above all this is the divine law Thou shalt not kill there is no position in which a man can be placed that will warrant the use of force I know the natural man rises up and will suppose extreme cases we have no right to do this but trust in the lord and when the hour of trial comes he will sustain you Seek to know your duty and he that rule.* us all will make the way plain but rest assured thy duty is not on the field of blood. I have been sick about a fortnight 1 a plenty to do at $2 50 per day. I did not mean to infer that wc have sufi'erd hut only a little pinched it is over now we have a cow and provision for the sum- mer were it not for our parents I should not think of calling on you but my heart yearns for my poor old mother. If you think it best for me to have the money I shall devote it to the good of the old folkes about E. W. Clark I do feel for them do not distress yourself but send of the money you call mine the lord will help me as he has done Bless his great and holy name O my brother I see in future a man with treason stamped on his brow he ascends the scaffold my soul recoils I can write no more do not my Brother Bring sorrow to dwell in our midst. thy loving Brother A. L. T. Dear Brother I do not feel atall in the mood for addressing you to night, but as A L is writing to you. and as you remembered me so kindly in your letter I felt it my duty as a sister and one that is deeply interested for you to say a few words. Your letter kind and loving though it was has gven us much pain and soorow of heart. Charley knowing so little as I do of the work yon are engaged in. I can- not use any kind of Argument or lay down any rule for you as A has tried to do. but as I very much fear you arc not in the right. I appeal to your Affection to the love you have for your near and dear friends your Poor Mother lor instance You say you dearly lovo your friends. Now is it your duty to sacrifice that life so foolishly as it seems to me, that might be of so nine!) benefit, and certainly would be so much comfort to your dear old Til other who loves her youngest son as she does her life, and would glory in seeing him engaged in a good cause but to hear of his being hanged for treason would bring down her grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. O Charley do think of how much more good you may do the human family to live an honest upright Christian life before the world striving by your example to lead your fellow men in that straight and narrow way that our Sa- Doc. No. 1. 10L viour speaks of and which there is no difficulty in finding if we but seek aright. I know you will think me simple and I am willing to be called so if I am only sure I am the follower of Christ. Charley do you helieve iu a God if you do sincerely, go to him ask him for guidence and direction in this great and momen- tious affair and if you seek that God aright desiring to know your duty as sure as there is a Ruler of the Universe He will guide you aright, forgive me if I have offended you by simple advice but do consider will the consequences of so rash a step. Write again soon for we shall feel anxious to hear from you. And re- member me as your Affectionate Sister JULIA. [The above two letters are in one envelope directed to "Mr. Charles P. Tidd, Springdale, Cedar Co. Iowa," and postmarked "Hudson Apr 2 Wis." It was probably written in 185S. — Trans.] Dear Friend Win. [8.] Kinsmon, Jan. 1G — 1859. I expected a letter from you last week and did not get one. I am afraid that you are sick. I have just written a letter to Lizzie. I mean that I tried to write to her, but it was the poorest letter that I ever wrote in my life. I have not hearde from home for some time, have you ? I am a get- ting as uneasy as Hell to leave this wooden country. I have not hearde a worde from any of the boys in Kansas, only what I see in Papers, and I presume that you see the Tribune as well as me. Uncle John is a playing {/articular Hell 'again. Kagi was wounded in ft. Scott while liberating Rice. Brown has been in Mis- souri and took 12 or 15 slaves and horses, mules aud oxen, and killed one man. The government has offered a reward of $500 for Brown & Montgomery. "Let the wolf howl." I expect to hear from there soon, aud something to, in regard to moving our goods (at Kings) towards Kansas. God spead the time. What say you my boy? I am sorry that Kagi is wounded, but the paper says not seri- ously. They took everything that there was in one store in Ft. Scott. I worked Christmas and new years, but I went to one dance between on Thursday night. This is darned disagreeable weather for winter I think. Are you still a firing in the mill ? Do you intend to go home ? & when ? I think that you ou^bt to go soon if you can, & if you intend to go to Kansas if uncle John wants you to. you may send me those pictures if you please, for I should like to look at them occasionally. That is a darned shame that yours were broken. Don't you think that it. was done on purpose? I should hardly think that it could be an axideut. I dont think of anything more to write of importance. Write soon Yours Respect L. F. PARSONS. [Without direction, but supposed to have becu written to William Lceman. — Trans.] 102 Doc. No. 1. [9.] Wednesday Morning, Sept. 14th. My Dear Husband. I wrote to you two weeks ago but I suppose you had not got it when you wrote as you did not say anything about it. O, Watson, I was so glad to hear from you it made me almost homesick I do want to see you so very much and I would like to have you see the little fellow he has grown very fast, when I want to work I set him up in the rocking chair and talk to him and he will laugh and act quite knowing he will jump like anything as the Peacocks say It is very cold weather here, the wind blows & it has been raining & snowing and the moun- tains are white with snow now I am sitting as near the stove as I can without burning my clothes and there is a very good fire too, there it is snowing now quite fast. I suppose it is warm and pleasant where you are, O ! that I could be with you," but I will try to be contented as I am and where my home is, the friends are all very kind to me and take care of Freddy a great deal. Ellen sits there by the rocking chair rocking him now I have not been able to get a cradle yet I have not been anywhere yet only up to Fathers I went up there when the baby was three weeks old and staid two weeks tell Dauphin it was very lone- some there without him Our corn did not grow to be anything at all we had some boiled twice, and it was altogether to green, the potatoes are very good they crack open and are very dry and mealy, the cucumber vines were all killed before they were large enough to bear. This place is to frosty to live in " Much love to all." We got a letter from Mr. Hodgkius it came directed to you, he had sold the wool for forty cents 40„ which he endorsed on that note, I paid Henry 20 dol- lars out of the money I got for the steers And I am a going to pay for the sheep as soon as the money is paid on that Draft. I am a going to send it out next week Rodolphus took the pig for three dollars which paid that debt. I paid Weeks one dollar and 85 cents yours and Olivers acct. with him. Now Watson keep up good courage and not worry about me and come back as soon as possible, I think of you all night in my dreams. This is all at present. From your Affct. Wife. BELL BROWN. You will write just as often as you can wont you now, I forgot to say the baby has had the chicken pox but was not sick much. [The above letter is endorsed "Watson Brown," iu the same handwriting with the body of the letter. — Trans.'] Doc. No. 1. 103 [10] Hallowell, April 28, 1858. My Dear Brother, I received your letter and was most happy to hear from you, also to know that you was well, that is A great blessing, to enjoy good health, we are all well as usual, but our Mother, she is much better now than when I wrote last, although she is not able to leave her room, her mind is much more settled, she begins to move her fingers A very little. The doctor says she will get better when the warm weather comes, she worries herself A great deal about you, and I dont know, My Dear Brother, how you expect a Mother and Sister to do otherwise, when we think where you are so far from your home, so long since we have seen you, and so long before we shall see you, (by your writing) but I hope it may not be but A short time before you will think it best to come to the loved ones at home. I do not like to write so very discouraging to you brother when you are trying your best to encourage your folks, but if you knew how much we want you to come home, you would not blame us for writing such letters. Would you come home if you had the money to come with, tell me what it would cost. O I would be unspeakably happy, if it were in my power to send you money, but we have been very poor this winter. 1 have not earned A half dollar this winter. Mattie has had a very good place, where she has had 75 cts A week, she has not speut any of it in the family only A very little for Mother. Farther has had very small pay, but I think he has more now, he is watchman on the Eastern Queen, that runs from here to boston. I should worked in the straw Factory at Natick, this Winter had Mother been well, Mattie has left her place, and talks of working in this Mill, but she will not if she can possibly do anything else. Hallowell is as still as ever there is no kind of business going on at all, most all those think anything of themselves have left. I do not think you would know Mother, for she is very poor, she does not look like our Mother, we try to make her as comfortable as we can, she has every thing that she wants, the folks in this place have been so very kind to us, our neighbors too it seems as though they could not do to much Farther says ho wants you to come home, if you have to go back again. Ah my Dear brother, you can never know how much your folks want you to come home. My Dear brother I want you to be shure and write often, and as soon as you receive this, for we are so very anxious, when you dont write, tell me who you are Agoing to fight, if you are going to interfere with the mormans. I rather thought so, for I know times are peaceable in Kansas. What may be thy lot on Earth, thy mission here below Though fame may wreath her laurels fair, around thy youthful brow, Though you would rise from Earthly things, and win a deathless name, Let all your ways be just and right — Let virtue be your aim — Though you may yet be scorned by men, or those who bear the name Let all your ways be just and right — Let virtue be your aim. 104 Doc. No. 1. Oh my dear brother, I hopo you are as good, as you were wheu you went from your homo, and I knoic you are, for you would not do any thing wrong. George Mitchel is dead one month ago. Dr. Allen is dead, Mr. Bart Nason fell dead in the meeting house, David Wallach CMariah butters husband was drowded in California, a short time ago, it has been very sickly here this spring. We are having a very great revival. Mattie and I have concluded to get our minatures taken together for you. wo will send them soon, we all send much love to you brother, and son, accept this from your ever affectionate sister Lizzie. L. LEE MAX, Hallowell, Maine. [ The above letter written in delicate and beautiful cbirography is without en- velope, or address, but is supposed to have been written to Wra, Leeman] [11.] Akron May 2nd 1859. Dear Father, Your letter dated April 5th was rcs'd several weeks since, also your letter of the lGth April dated at Westport. We have not seen ur writing case, which you say was lost either at Chicago, or this side. I believe & hope that you life & health may be spared for several years, I cannot think that you have finished your work yet. You had misstaken Jasons ideas of " moving" en- tirely, ho is heartily engaged in the measure & as he says " at this late hour wishes to he considered one of ws'* I will only acknowled the sin of not answering let- ters in better season than I do, still I cannot wish to be considered worse than I am in that matter. While you was in Kansas last season, I wrote you once, some time in August, Directing to Mr. Adair. It appears that you did not re- ceive it. We have not heard from John for several months, If it was myself, it would be no wonder, as it is him, I am begining to think strange of it. Have received a letter from Ruth, of the 19th April, I have commenced, in answer to all the letters from Mother, Henry, Ruth, Salmon, Anna, Watson, Oliver, & all the rest, whether they ever receive it or not, will depeud wholy upon the length of their life. Shall remember you all. Your affectionate son [The above bears this endorsement, "The following letter we found among tho private papers of Capt. Brown at his house which we entered on Tuesday evening with the Marines. It is from one of his sous (the sole remaining one out of six) who is now wanderiug through the west, but his whereabouts is unknown to his father, as he himself assured us. The signature has been carefully cut from the page."] Due. No. 1. J 05 [13.] Chambers burgh P 9th, 1859. Dear Brother, Sister fy C s, All is well with us. At present our prospecting appears to be favorable, & some of us will find employment in a few days, (I did not see the Letter you wrote us, but heard of it.) Tidd is here, God speed you. Your Brother, O. S. [The indicates whore a piece has been torn out of the original.] [13.] Cherrtwood, June 8 '59. Friend John I got a leter from your sister Mary yesterday she wishes me to write to you as soon as I get heers aud say to you that it is unsafe for you to come home or at least to Nebraska City She ses that a frond of ours told your Pa in town she beleved it was Mr. Rufis Moore. See wants you to be on your gard for them I don t- now as you want your leters sent to Cleveland in your name or not so I will send this to sister and request heer to send it to you I learn from E. A. Fobcs that you was at Cleveland also from sister I want you to rite to me and let me now the particler of afares I hav not hurd eny thing ouly what was riten from the City Hotel at your arival thare, tell me whare the rest are and wharo Wbiples adress is tell them I wod like to hear from them I am a farming this sumer I was sick a month but am at work agane pleas rite to me and lets be sociable agane direct to De Wit Clinton Co Iowa if I had not got such a head ache I wod rite more, yours truly C. W. MOFFET. [14.] Springdale August Gth 1859 friend Ed I reseived a very welcom leter from you yesterday, and was glad to hear that yo ar still alive and well well Ed I havee not time to rite mutch for it is rather a blure monday and you no how I feel Ed I have rented that mashene to Jim but at no prise I will do the best I can with it Jim lost the ox case and it cost him 26 doolars rather a bad Job for Jim as for the talk in about your leaving 14 106 Doc. No. 1. Ed they all no where you was a going som of them glory in your spunk an others think you ar a gon boy and have made you mad your last trip to Springdale Ed I want you to doge like the d 1 and show them you can com without a hold in your hide. Well as for inary and lu they ar well and old lion is able to fart yet at least he plade a good hand the other night they had fed him on beans he was d m full of wind wee had black beryies yesterday and Lu and I had a try last night. Dick is going back to Kansas in 3 or 4 weeks Ed I must stop my scribling for it is time to go to Diner rite soon if you can aud I will do beter next time so I will stop I ain Dick come to mee Just now and said he wanted to rite to you on bisness so I gave your post ofise adess [The above bears no direction or subscription, but the haud and spelling are those of Moffet, aud the letter was probably to Edward Coppee. — Trans.] [ 15. ] Omaha Nebraska T. May 16th, 1859. Dear Kaig Your letter bearing date Apr. 22 is received. Was forwarded from Byron to this place. I have been here about a wating for our 5th man to come arrouud via of St. Louis with our provisions for a 6 months tour in the moun- tains in search of Gold. I received a letter from you on Saturday before I started on Monday. This was the first word I bad hearde of any of you for many months. You said that you should not be in Cleveland only 3 days so I wrote to J. I). Jr. to tell you some things. You now write me to not enter in to any other arrangement preventing me from other buisuess. When you do this I think that you donte consider my situation, the obligations I am under to my creditors, and what I have already sacrifised in that same bankrupt buisness. I staid all last summer and winter and worked hard for little or nothing (just «noug*h to get home) with the vane expectation of hearing something definate in regard to buisness. but I hearde nothing. When I came home my folks accused me of fooling away my time, claim, money, &c. &c. when I owed debts that I ought to pay. I felt as if I must do something to shut up their mouths & then I could, & would tell them to kiss my foot. 1 owe about $230. If I could pay them in a minute, as I feel now I should be ready to go immediately. I had no tools, could not work at my trade, & new no better thing to do or place to hit upon than to go to Pikes Peak. I am so far on my way & even now we get more discouraging noos than good. Eversomany are a going back selling teams at a loss & taking the quickest way home. Were I to see Uncle John now & he to ask me to go, I should tell him that I owed $230, & must pay that first, if he would pay it then I should go immediately, if not then I should try to earn it. I am certainly this is so. I have been willing debt, or no debt, but then I expected Doc. No. 1. 107 to have joined in the dance long before this. You may be assured that my best ■wishes will attend you. I am sorry to learu that others are not with you that you had expected. But I also learu that you have some new ones which I liope will more than supply the deficiency. I do not know where to have you direct your letters if you should see fit to write. There are a great many a coming back from Ft Carney discouraged on account of the discouraging news from the Peak. Tis said to be a humbug. We intend to go and see for our selves. With mauy good wishes I remain yours truly L. F. PARSONS. [ The envelope to this letter, as well as to many others, has been either wholly lost or mislaid. — Trans.] [16.] Illinois July 3d '59 Dear Friend the pleasure that it affords me in receiving you token is un- bounded, it has removed the cloak of suspense and doubt, with bright hopes of Cherishing my young and seemingly long desires, that the object is within my reach. It is my chief desire to add fuel to fire. The amount may be small, "but every little helps." My ardent passion for the gold field is my thoughts by day and my dreams by night. I often think that I am with you. Bringing it forth in masses that surprises the world, and moving with all its sweetness and holesomeuess adds still another determination. I would rejoice still more if you felt as well as I do. My health could not be hotter I am sorry to hear of your being so unfortunate but my sincerest hopes is Avith you. Please let me know as soon as possible For if it was very sudden I might be some troubled to get my money as it is very scarce stuff here the man that I am working with is good as soon as his wheat is sold it is middling good here this season much better than expected a month ago They are cutting it here now some commenced theirs last day of June. If it should happen that you would come by this way 1 will give you directions. Start out ou the Bloomiugton aud Peora road, From Bloomington and go half mile and take the white oak grove road about 4£ miles north inquire for Squire Brown's farm and you will have no trouble to find it. Those Glorious fellows, I would like to know where they are. Black or white. And where Dick & Realf are as you did not mention them. 1 must go to town this afternoon, quite a walk 5 miles, but if it is as long going to you, as that was coming to me, I must not delay a minute. Yours For Ever * Iu truth Bloomington, III, Give my love to those. friends of trust STEWARD TAYLOR 108 Doc. No. 1. [17.] New York, Sep. 6 '59. J. Henrie, Esq. Chamhtrsburg, Pa. Dear Sir, Your communication of the 3d iust., came to hand yesterday. In reply, am sorry to state, I can give you no information whatever regarding the whereabouts of Richard Realf. I only know he left his home, the latter part of February, for America; since which time I have failed to gather any intelli- gence relating to his movements, lie considers me his most intimate friend ; and. yet, I know not that he even exists at this time. Please inform me the motive which prompts you in your enquiry. Have you known Mr. Rer.If for any lengthened period ? Where did ycu last see him ? And how and when did you hear him speak of me ? If I hear of or from him at any time, I will transmit you the news, and trust you will reciprocate. Respectfully Yours, CM AS. C. YEATON Care of Horace H. Day, Esq.— 23 Cortlandt Street. [ "J. Henrie" was the assumed name of Kagi. — TV.] [IS.] 23, Cortlandt St. N. Y. Sept. 22, 59. My Dear Sir, You will, I trust, excuse my seeming negligence in the occur- rence of my not having replied to your two last communications, bearing dates, respectively, of the 7th and 14th inst. ; the latter of which contained an enclo- sure of two others for Mr. Realf. My time has been so closely monopolized by business, that I have been compelled to disappoint every one of my correspon- dents for nearly three weeks past. The hand writing of the letters address to friend Realf I hardly recognized. They contained nothing of importance; therefore I will retain them until he may make his appearance here. The parties by whom they were written have seen Realf since their date. I hold a deep interest in the welfare of Richard, and trust the time is not far distant when I may be the recipient of some glad tidings of or from him. With kind regards, believe me to remain, Yrs. Resp'y, CHAS. C. YEATON. J. Henrie, Esq'r. Doc. No. 1. 109 [19.] Cleveland, Sept. 30th '59. My dear friend, I have been waiting ever since the receipt of your letter for Mr. L to return before I answered thinking that we might manage some Avay to help you to that mouey. He came last night and I gavo him your letter. Harris is gone to Canada. I saw your uncle Samuel; laid the matter before him ; he expressed a very favorable opinion of your business, thought you would eventually succeed in makiug a fortune. I told him your strait for this little amount of money just now but I could not get him to do anything towards help- ing you to it. I am going to try still further and see if I can procure something for you before J. B. Jr. comes I expect him next week. But I will tell you how I am situated My husband feels afraid you will have have trouble with that con- tract and eventually fail in your business and he is afraid of making any more that would bring him into trouble in case you should fail, which of course could do you no good. He is situated just where if he should be taken away from his buisness for two months he would be ruined as to property, there could be no help for it. If he was differently situated he would send you the money himself without any hesitation. But money is so hard to be got thet it requires the best turn of evry dollar to keep him up. I will endeavor to do the best I can for you but I am afraid I shant succeed in getting much. It seems to me that in your present emergency as difficult as it is for you to get workmen, that you had bet- ter send to your friend out west; I mean the one who dreamed one night of a crop of black and white beans; and have him send you on some of his workmen, for the present. Your difficulty I discover is want of workmen rather than mo- ney, if they could only be found who would go I would take two thirds of tho garments off from myself and give them to help them off. Any thing that you think I could possibly do for you let me know, and 1 am at your service with a will. But be sure you say nothing in your letters which if read could look as though my husband was involved with you; For if you should fail it would do no good for any body else to break with you, And by keeping up we might help you up again. When you write be cautious how you word it. I dont believe Mr. L. will go. He like others when he comes to it would rather get employ nearer home than go away off there and dig and work among the coal dust. I hope you will secure your land any way whether you find the wealth in it you anticipate or not, Carley is in Oberliu at school Adelia goes to the high school. From your friend. [Without direction or signature. — Trans.] 110 Doc. No. I. [20.] Chambersburg, Sept. 27, 1859. Mr. James Lesley Esq. This will he handed to you by a Gentleman calling himself Smith — -who represents himself to me as the Brown of Kansas memory. He with two young men have been in and about town for two or three months professedly,, aud I believe truly, engaged in the good cause. So far as my acquaintance with them extends I believe them to be good men and true. The go to Phila to-morrow, and desire to see you, and request me to introduce them by letter — which I do so far as they are known to me. Respectfully yours, THOS. CARLILE. [On a blank page of the original note is the following in pencil: "Dear Jimmy, I am acquainted with the writer of this & know him to be one of the worthiest citizens of Chambersburg. /. Lesley. 611 Market Street."] [21-3 West Andover, Mar. 30, 1859. I saw a few days since a letter which Owen had received from you. I have to say that there seems to be no present prospect of disposing of the property you mentioned. The old gentleman however encloses $10 00 which he hopes may be of some relief — the best he can do at present. Respectfully your friend, J. H. K. John E. Cook — Harpers Ferry. [22.] Cherrywood June 26th, '59. Dear Sir, I got a leter last nite from J. R. stating that I must be redy if I went in to or three weaks or to sa whether I wod go or not in short words I dout see as I can at present tho I feel as deap an interest for the caus as ever and hope yet to do more for it than I hav. Doc. No. 1. Ill l now is the best time and Perhaps the most needed but thare is difficulties in the way that cant be removed as I se. I shall try to do all that I can to ade the thing along shod like to be kept Posted on mater as well as couvieniant You may think that I am a back out but I dout under circumstances Nothing wod suit me beter I remaine your humbull sirvent and well wisher Please rite me as often as convenient. C. W. MOFFET. [ Direction unknown. — Trans.] [23.] Oberlin, Ohio, Sept. 8th '59. To J Henrie Respected Sir, I received yours pr C. II. L. and have delayed answer- ing it directly until the present. T have not seen J. D. H. since I received it But have heard from him. Nothing Delays me more than want of means. I have been unhealthy for some time but have grown quite well I saw J. B. Jr a week ago, and reed a letter from him yesterday His statements to me were satisfac- tory I have a hardy man who is willing and every way competent to dig coal but like myself has no tools if the company employs him they will have to furnish him tools His address is John Copeland Jr. Oberlin, Ohio he is an honest man and will do as much labor as the common run of men. I saw Mr. P. I think that we can get an outfit from parties interested iu our welfare in this place if so I shall Be on as soon as I can. Yours sincerely, L. S. LEARY. [The "J. Henrie" to whom this letter is addressed, was an assumed name of J. H. Kagi, who was killed at Harpers Ferry. The "Mr. P." alluded to near the close of the letter, is probably R. Plomb, of Oberlin. — Trans.] [24.] $600. Col Uh. Forbes, New York City I « JrV 1 ^ Sir/ /If you have drawn on W. H. D. Calender Esq., Cashier, State Bank, at Hartford, Connecticut: for Six Hundred Dollars; or any part of that amouut : and are not prepared to come on and join me at once : you will please 112 Doc. No. 1. pay over at once to Joseph Bryant Esqi\, who is my Agent, Six Hundred Dollars or whatever amount yon have so drawn ; as I furnished that money in the full expectation of having your personal assistance this present time. I caunot wait uutill Fall; and 1 greatly need all tho means I have. Very Respectfully Your Friend JOHN BROWN. Cleveland, Ohio, 22d, June, 1857. [This order is endorsed in one corner, thus : " My Order on Col. Forbes re- turned," aud in another place, thus : " 1 did not present this to the Col. as I pre- sumed it would be of no use— and then he is I am ptrswaded acting in good faith. Jos. Bryant."] [25.] John Brown— To W. 8,- L. E. Gurky. To one Vernier Compass •• set steel marking Pins Recet Payment, W. & L. E. GURLEY. [Endorsed in Brown's handwriting, " W. & L. E. Gurley's Bill & Receipt.] Trot June 7th 1859 Dr. _ 35 00 1 00 $36 00 [26.] Newark Sept 0. '59 Friend Henrie I received your note of inquiry this morning. I am sorry I know so little of what you ask. My last letter was written Sept. 6th Sister did not speak of C. at all. In other letters she has often spokeu of seeing him, but of course she knows nothing of his plans. My father is slowly recovering from a long severe illness. Many of our neigh- bors have been sick this season, perhaps C. has been. I hope he will join you soon. Respectfully S. G. W. [This note to "Henrie," alias Kagi, is in a female hand.] Doc. No. I. 113 [27] Pittsburgh, Pa., 23d June, 1859. John Hcnric Esq Dear Sir Please enquire for a letter at Bedford, Pa. If you do not fiad one there; you may understand that you have got ahead of us; & will wait a little. If you have any company along it may be just as well not to appear as fellow travelers. We may commence prospecting before we get to Bedford. ^ Your3 in truth S. MUNROE. fr» [28.] Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. 2 '59. Dear Wh ip : Tidd, Steward Taylor, and 2 Coppacs have been about. You will be able to see them in two weeks, or three at farthest. I heard from Al. Hazlet to-day. Say to J. Jr., if he has not left home, that I have received all his letters and of King & Bros, up to those of July 27. Cashings not yet arrived — but expect them in a day or two. All is well. Keep cool. Preserve the elevation of your liquors, (or, iu other words, keep up your spirits.) Hen. C. Carpenter has gone to Wattles. I have written him. Have also written to Elza Maxeon to come here and I would give him a birth — to come, even if he had to sell your mare for passage money. Can you raise a swear on it? J. HENRIE. [ At the bottom of this note, written in pencil, is the name of "Horace Liudley, West Andover." The envelope is directed "Old Whipple, Anywhere." Whip- ple was the assumed name of Stevens.] [29.] Detroit, March 13, 1859. Dear Tidd : I & B arrived yesterday morning with our consort, which I immediately passed over to Windsor. The old man & Whip had to come on in advance in order to see Fred. Douglass who was expected to leave here yesterday 15 114 Doc. No. 1. morning. I left Hen. at Chicago with direction to start for Cleveland with the other freight, yesterday morning. We shall leave here to-morrow. Fred. D. spoke last night — will speak again this afternoon. Truly, as ever, yours KAGI. P. S. — Enquire at P. O. for me often, and send letters to West Audover, Ash- tabula Co., Ohio. K. [30.] July 14th 1859 indianna Pa Dear Sir, i Recieved your letter a few minuets ago and Was glad to hear from you i Will Bee Ready When you Want mee if nothing Happens mee yours truly A. H. [This brief note bears the initials of Albert Hazlet, but has no direction upon it. — Trans.] [31.] Chambersburg, Sat., Sept. 3, 1859. Dear Sir, I have just received the enclosed letter, together with the draft for $50 — mentioned therein, and have acknowledged the receipt of the same. I have also received a letter from John Smith, under date of Sandusky, Aug. 27th. He would stop at P. & Cleveland. Anderson at C ra would leave immedi- ately ; one at H n as soon as he could raise the money ; the Coppersmith in a few weeks. The latter had been waiting for some time, but at last made an en- gagement which he could not break for a few weeks. Others have to make cer- taiu provisions. Mr. Smith intends to try to raise funds for this object. He says he is ready for any other business you may give him employment in. His money is exhausted. Is sorry (confidentially) that he went in company with Mr. S he is too fat, and takes hardly strong interest enough. I have written him. Respectfully, J. HENRIE. [No direction.] Doc. No. 1. 115 [32.] North Elba, June 29th. Dear Husband, We received your welcome letter of the 23d last night, with five dollars in it. We are all well here. Since you left here we have had abun- dance of rain so that things look quite promising now. We have not bad any frost since you left. Watson says he promised to write but wauts, I should say that be cut his foot & was laid up about a week & is in a great hurry. I read a letter from John telling what the frost had done in Ohio. I think we have great reason to be tbankfull here. I do hope that you will be blessed with health & success in the good and great cause your are engaged in. From your affectionate wife, MARY A. SMITH. [This letter is without envelope, but is endorsed "Isaac Smith, Esq. care of John Henrie, Chambersburg, Pa." It is from old Brown's wife.] [33.] Cherry Valley O Friday Apl 22nd 1859. Friend Kagi, Yours of 12th iust was duly rec'd, but no letters for you had come to the West Andover P. O. Yesterday I called at the office in Andover Centre and there found two for you, which had evidently been there some time. I shall for'd them to-day. Nothing new here. Have not heard from Father since he left, except inci- dentally through the papers that he spoke at Rochester N. Y. He remained with me nearly two weeks, suffering much not only from the ear-ache but from ague. Had 3 shakes before he left, and was much enfebled by it. Parsons wrote a few days since that he should "start to morrow for Pike's Peak." Had a yoke or two of oxen and a yoke of cows for teams. Whipple is still at work for Mr. Lindsley where he gives entire satisfaction. Nothing from the others. I shall write as often as I have letters to send you, or anything new to communicate. Address me as before to West Andover, O, Shall be glad to hear from you often. (In haste) Truly yours, JOHN BROWN, Jr. U6 Doc. No. 1. [34] Brentville April 11 1859 Dear Husband I raus now write you apology for not writing you before this but I know you will excuse me when tell you Mrs. genniugs has been very sick (die has a baby a little girl ben a grate sufferer her breast raised and she has had it lanced and I have had to stay with her day and, night so you know I had no time to write but she is now better and one of her own servent is now sick I am well that is of the grates importance to you I have no newes to write you only the chrildren are all well I want to see you very much but are looking fordard to the promest time of your coming oh Dear Dangerfield com this fall with out fail raouny or no monney I want to see you so much that is one bright hope I have before me nothing more at present but remain your affectionate wife HARRIETT NEWBY P S write soon if you please Brentville April 22 1859 Dear Husband I received your letter to day and it give much pleasure to here from you but was sorry to — of your sickeness hope you may be well when you receive this I wrote to you several weeks a go and directed my letter to Bridge Port but I fear you did not receive it as you said nothing about it in yours you must give my love to Brother Gabial and tell him I would like to see him very much I wrote in ray last letter that Miss Virginia had a baby a little girl I had to nersc her day and night Dear Dangerfield you Can not amagine how much I want to see you Com as soon as you can for nothing would give more pleasure than to see you it is the grates Comfort I have is thinking of the promist time when you will be here oh that bless hour when I shall see you once more my baby commenced to Crall to day it is very dellicate nothing more at present but remain your affectionate wife. HARRIET NEWBY P s write soon Brentville, August 1G, 1859. Dear Husband. your kind letter came duly to hand and it gave me much pleasure to here from you and especely to hear you are better of your rhumatism and hope when I here from you agaiu you may be entirely well. I want you to buy me as soon as possablo for if you do not get me somebody else will the servents are very disagreeable thay do all thay can to set my mistress againt me Dear Hus- Doc. No. 1. 117 baud you not the trouble I see the last two years has ben like a trouble dream to me it is said Master is in want of monuey if so I know not what time he may sell me an then all my bright hops of the futer are blasted for there has ben one bright hope to cheer me in all my troubles that is to be with you for if I thought I shoul never see you this earth would have no charms for me do all you Can for me witch I have no doubt you will I want to see you so much the Chrildreu are all well the baby cannot walk yet all it can step around euny thing by holding on it is very much like Agnes I mus bring my letter to Close as I have no newes to write you mus write soon and say when you think you Can Come. Your affectionate Wife HARRIET NEWBY. [The last three letters are without envelope, but were evidently written to Dangerfield Newby, one of the Harpers Ferry insurgents. The place from which they were written is probably Brentville in Prince William, Va. The last letter bears this endorsement, in a scrawling hand : " Aug. 27. — Friend Whipple — Martha sent me this letter to-day. I sent it by the first mail. God spead the right. E. A. J. LINDSEY. P- S. — This letter is for Mr. G. Newby he left our houes this morning. E. A. J. L."] [35.] May the 1859, „ 21 Indiana, Pa. Dear Kagi i Recieved your letter and Was glad to here from you i Was almost out of patience wating i thought you had forgotten mee you wrote something about the afairs in Ohio i Wish it Would Come of soon for i am getting tireed a Doing nothing i Would like to know when the old man Will be Rack and when you Want mee the sooner the better it Will suit mee i Would like to see you all again let mee know whats goiug on When you rite to me give mee a plain hand i Can read it better Direct as Re fore rite as soon as you get this no Mure hut remaines your Friend A. HAZLITT. /. H. Kazi. 118 Doc. No. 1. [30.] (Copy.) Springfield, Aug. 27, 1859. Dear Friend. Yours of the 18th has heen received and communicated. S. G. H. has sent you $50 in a draft on N. Y. & I am expecting to get more from other sources — perhaps some here, aud will make up to you the $300 if I can, as soon as I can. But I can give nothing myself, just now, being already in debt. I hear with great pleasure what you say about the success of the business, aud hope nothing will occur to thwart it. Your son John was in Boston a week or two since, aud I went to find him, but did not; and beiug away from Concord he did not come to see me. He saw S. G. II. — G. S. S. — W. P. — F. J., & C., and every body liked him. I am very sorry I did not see him. All your Boston friends are well. Theo. Parker is Switzerland, much better than when he left home. Henry Storrs of this place is dead, July 28th. I reached here yesterday and have seen few people as yet. Here I expect letters from those to whom I have written. I conclude that your operations will not be delayed if the money reaches you in course of the next fortnight, if you are sure of having it then, I canuot cer- tainly promise that you will, but I think so. Harriet Tubman is probably in New Bedford, sick, She has staid here in N. E. a long time, and been a kind of missionary. Your friends in C. are all well. I sro back there in a week. God prosper you in your work. I shall write again soon. Yours Ever. F. [The above letter, written to John Brown evideutly, appears to have been co- pied in the handwriting of Kagi from the original, which was probably lost or destroyed. The original has since been discovered, and is endorsed by Brown, " F. B. Sanborns letter."] [37,] Mr. J. H. Kagi, Sir : Tribune Office, New York, 30 April 59 Yours is received and we enclose our check for forty-one dol- lars for Seven letters from Kansas and two from Ohio. Yours, HORACE GREELEY & CO. Doc. No. 1. 119 [38.] Office of the Daily Morning Leader, Cleveland, Ohio, June 21 1859. G. L. Heaton Br Sir, Mr. Cowles requested me to recommend to your attention, the bearer of this J. H. Kagy, Esq. who is connected with the N. Y. Tribune, and now from Kansas. He designs to go to Buffalo by Lake on one of the fine stea- mers you represent. Yours Truly J. L. BEARDSLEY. [39.] New York May 24th 1859 Mr. J. H. Kagi, Dear Sir The price of the S & W S S is $ 15,00 cartridges $1.00 per hundred in quantities of 6 or more packets at a time a discount. of 20 per cent, terms cash. Yours Respy. J. W. STORRS Agt. [The abbreviations "S & W S S" mean Smith & Wesson's Seven Shooter.] [40.] Peterboro June 2 '59 Capt John Broion My dear friend I wrote you a week ago directing my letter to care of Mr. Kearney. He replied, informing me that he had forwarded the letter to N. York. But as Mr. Morton received last evening a letter from Mr. Sanborn saying your address would be your sou's home — viz. West Andovcr, I therefore write you without delay and direct my letter to your son. I have done what I could thus far for Kansas — what I could to keep you at your Kansas work. Losses by indorsment & otherwise — have brought me under heavy embarrassments the last 2 years. But I must nevertheless coutiuue to do 120 Doc. No. 1. in order to keep you at your Kansas work. I send you herewith my dft for $200. Let me hear from you on the receipt of this letter. You live in our hearts — Our prayer to God is that you may have strength to continue in your Kansas work. My wife joins me in affectionate regard to your son John whom we both hold in very high esteem. I suppose you put the Whit- man note into Mr. Kearney's hands. It will he a great shame if Whitman does not pay it. What a noble man is Mr. Kearney! How liberally he has contri- buted to keep you in your Kansas work ! Your friend GERRIT SMITH. [Endorsed in Brown's hand, " Gerrit Smith answered June 17th, and enclosed E. B. Whitman's note and II. Tubman's receipt."] [41.] New York State Bank, Albany 29th Aug. 1859. Messrs. J. Smith £>• Sons, Sirs, I have received with enclosure as stated, your favor of I hand you herewith my dft. on Merchants B'k N. Y. $100— in accordance with instructions from Houl. Gerrit Smith, Peterboro, N. Y. Respy Yours, J. II. VAN ANTWERP. ["New York State Bank," "Albany," "1859," " Sir," and "I have received with enclosure as stated, your favor of" are printed in the original.] [42.] Oberlin, Aug 23 1859 J Henrie Esq. Dear Sir, Yours of Augt 9, came to hand this moruing, and I hasten to reply, and should have replied to your first letter before, but it was so long reaching me that I was afraid you would have left Chambersburg. My pecu- niary condition is such, (having made loss in consequence of being in Jail of about $1200. on property shipped west) that I regret to say I cannot advance the money to save your father's lands. It would give me great pleasure to do this, and 1 am sorry I cannot. Doc. No. 1. 121 Next with regard to the last proprosition. Our people have heeu drained of the hist copper to pay expenses for the Oherliu Trials, and are now sued by Lowo for $20,000, damages for false imprisonment. We have in all probability got to have another clinch with the scoundrels, and money, money, money, will be needed at every step. If I could possibly do so I would send you the needful amount, but in my opinion it will not be possible to raise it. By visiting other places and interesting other parties it might be done, but not here. I have to go to Missouri in a few days to look after my business there which has been left in a disastrous condition by imprisonment. Yours truly R. PLOMB. [43.] Sandusky, Ohio, Saturday eve. August 27 '59. Friend Henrie: I have not written since I left Syracuse, for the reason that I had nothing definite to write until within two or three days and then was too much occupied to write. At St. C I found none, and went on to Hamilton where I met with several capital fellows. The coppersmith on the G. W. R. R'd will go, but has an en- gagement on a steam engine which will hold him several weeks. I think hira one of those men who must be obtained if possible. For several months he was entirely out of business, waiting, but hearing nothing, took a job, which he can- not now leave till finished. There is at Hamilton two other men every way fitted by nature for such a place, one at least of whom will start as soon as traveling expenses can be raised. At Dr. W's house we formed an association, the officers consisting of Chairman, Treasurer, and Corresponding Sec'y, the business of which is, to hunt up good workmen, and raise the means amang themselves to send them forward. I am in communication with this association, and can reach them all at once through their corresponding sec'y. So that whatever you wish to communicate, can bo done through me by letter without delay. No minutes of the organization, nor of any of its proceedings are or will be preserved in writing. I formed similar associations in Chat — , and also at B — x — t-n. At the first place (H.) they will take hold at once and do something. At Chatham I met a hearty response. The delay since they last saw you has caused them however to scat- ter, and involve themselves iu business arrangements. The Capt. of the Fire Co. and one other of the best has gone to Frazer River. Dick was away har- vesting a number of miles from there, but from what they say, is on hand. _\| ex — | m d disposed of his affairs a good while since, and until within a few weeks had been waiting : but has lately resumed. Thinks he can now close out by 1st Nov. and in the mean time to prove his devotion will furnish means to help on two or three himself. He can be fully relied on. Anderson at Chat, will come on immediately. At ("B — n") I found the man — the leading spirit in that "affair" which you, Henrie, referred to. On Thursday night last I went with hira on foot 12 miles, much of the way through mere paths, and sought out 16 122 Doc. No. 1. in "the bush," some of the choicest. Had a meeting after 1 o'clock at night at his house. He has a wife and 5 children all small, and they are living very poorly indeed "roughing it in the hush," hut his wife is a heroine & he will be on hand as soon as his family can be provided for. He owes about $30 — -says that a hundred additional, would enable him to leave them comfortable for a good while. After viewing him in all points which I am capable of, I have to say that I think him worth in our market as much as 2 or three hundred average men, and even at this rate I should rate him too low. For physical capacity, for practical judgment, for courage, & moral tone, for energy fy force, & icj7Z,— for an ex- perience that would not only enable him to meet difficulty, but give confidence to overcome it, I should have to go a long way to find his equal, & in my judg- ment would be a cheap acquisition at almost any price. I shall individually make a strenuous effort to raise the means to send him on. Mr. A — n at Detroit is all alive — also De B. However Mr. A's wife is very sick, he will get down there as soon as possible. Is to let me know right away by letter what he can do, & when. De B is the working man there, & a host in himself. Thompson, is on hand as soon as he can shape his affairs so that his family a wife, & one child (6 mos. old) can be provided for. I saw friend Isaac's letter to De B. aud took a copy to send cu to the- other associations. When at " W — r" I saw our friends from Mo. They are all doing well — are working hard. Have raised a great dea' of stuff to live on. (J — m) & his family are out on a farm about 11 miles, did not see him. They all say he is doing better probably than any of those at *' W — r" They seemed anxious to do some washing or something for me for nothing. They said "tell your and thems with him that we all owes um a great deal more, than we can ever pay in dis world.'* By the way, it is now well ascertained that the fire was caused by an incendiary or incendiaries iu the inte- rest of the tyrants, who could devise no other plan. I go ou to night from here so as to meet the morning train for Oberlin. Shall write you very soon again. I left Mr. our Syracuse friend, at Detroit, whence he will return home, stopping at Ingersol & Loudon. Perhaps on the whole it was best, I had him accompany me on this trip, yet my first ideas of him \ find are correct. "He is too fat," nor is this all, his heart is only passively in our cause. Wherever I have been, they tell me, I had no need of a voucher, as my resemblance to "Isaac" would have been al! sufficient. As it is I very much regret that I spent so much money in transporting so much inert adipose matter. Now dout imagine anything occurred to mar friendly feelings, there did not, & what I have said I wish regarded as confidential. When T get home, if there is nothing which you have laid out for me to do, I shall ag soon as I get to it, set about raising some funds for the cause. From this on, I mean to devote my whole time if I can in the work. Donl fail to attach my name to that Docu- ment, or those documents — You know. If friend " Isaac" wishes me to go any where else, I shall need more means, as % have only enough to get back with. In haste, Yours, JOHN SMITH. •Give my warmest regards to all the fraternity. Doc. No. I. 123 [This " Jobu Smith" is John Brown, Jr. His style is much more accurate aud finished than that of any of the rest of " the fraternity," and his handwriting is beautiful. On the back of this letter, in the handwriting of old Brown, is " J S Jr answered." "Isaac" is old Brown. There is also the following, in the hand- writing of Kagi : "P. of) Chicopee Bank (Mass. $ 50 No. 8953 Springfield Aug. 30, 1859. T. WARNER, Jr. Cashier. Pay to order of H. Fuller, jr. fifty dollars. To the Continental Bank, Ntiv York. (Endorsed) Pay to the order of J. Smith & Sons. H. FULLER, Jr. Sent above by mail this day, addressed, J. Smith & Sons, Harpers Ferry, Va."] Chambersburg, Sept. 8, 1859. [44.] Syracuse, New York, Thursday Aug 11th 1859. Friend J. Henrie : Day before yesterday, I reached Rochester. Found our "Rochester friend" absent at Niagara Falls. Yesterday he returned and I spent remainder of day and evening with him and Mr. E. Morton with whom friend Isaac is acquainted. The friend at Rochester will set out to make you a visit iu a few days. He will be accompanied by that " other young man," and if it can be brought arouud, also by the woman that the Syracuse friend could tell me of. The son will pro- bably remain back for a while. I gave Fred'k $22 to defray expenses. If alive and well, you will see him ere long. I found him iu rather low spirits — left him in high. Accidentally met at R . Mr. E. Morton. He was much pleased to hear from you ; was anxious for a copy of that letter of instructions, to show our friend at " P — r" who, Mr. M. says, has his whole soul absorbed in this matter. I have just made him a copy and mailed him at R. where he expects to be for two or three weeks. He wishes me to say to you that he had reliable information that a certain noted Col. whose name you are all acquainted with, is now iu Italy. By the way, the impression prevails generally that a certain acquaintance of ours, headed the party that vistited St. J. in Mo. lately. Of course I dout try to deny that which bears such ear marks. 124 Doc. No. 1. Came on here this morning. Found L. gone to Boston, Mass., and also said woman. As T. does not know personally those persons in C. to whom it is ne- cessary to have letters of introduction, aud he thinks I had hetter get him to go with nie there, I have made up my mind notwithstanding the extra expense to go on to Boston. L. is expecting to visit C. soon any way, and his wife thinks would contrive to go immediately. I think for other reasons also, I had better go on to Boston. Morton says, our particular friend Mr. S n, in that city is especially anxious to hear from you — has his heart and hand both engaged in the cause; shall try and find him. Our Rochester friend thinks the woman whom I shall see in Boston "whose services might prove invaluable," had better be helped on. I leave this eve in the 11.35 train from here, shall return as soon as possible to make my visit at C Will write you often. So far all is well. Keep me ad- vised as far as consistent. Fraternally yours, JOHN SMITH. [Endorsed in the handwriting of old Brown, "John Smiths Letter to J. Henrie."] [45.] Chambeksburg, Aug. 3, 1859. Tidd & Steward Taylor have arrived since the Coppacs. They say that Elza Maxson wished to get employment and I have written him to come on. The probability is that he will come, yet it is not certain. Carpenter has gone back to K. I have written to A. Wattles, urging him to have his start immediately- Owen will show you the letters from John Smith agt. of King & Bros. The cashings ought to be here (the first 10 boxes) in a very few days. I have twice heard from Ilazlett. He is ready. Have heard nothing from my friends, from Cleveland, but think I certainly shall receive a letter concerning them soon. J. HENRIE. [Endorsed "Isaac Smith Esq." in Kagi's writing; also "J Henries Letter," in the writing of old Brown. The word "cashings," which is plainly thus written in two of Kagi's letters, must have been intended for "castings," which is the term Kagi employs to designate certain boxes of arms sent to Kansas by the N. E. Emigrant Aid Soc, and reshipped by Brown's party, through King & Bros, of Ashtabula, to Chambersburg.] Doc. No. 1. 125 [46.] Jefferson Ohio May 26. 1859 My Dear Sir I shall be absent during next week, and hope to be at home during the summer. Shall be happy to see you at my house. Very truly J. R. GIDDINGS. John Brown Esq. [ Endorsed iu Brown's hand, "J. R. Giddings Requires no reply."] [47.] Washington Co., Md. 23d, July. 1859. John Henrie Esqr. Dear Sir Please mail enclosed at once [ The above is in the handwriting of old Brown. Below the last line in the original, is the following memorandum, in pencil, in the hand of Kagi : " (Letter to) George De Baptist Detroit Mich. (Did so same day.)"] [48.] Washington Co., Md. July, 27th. 1859. J. Henrie Esqr. All well. Yours of the 22d with enclosures is received. Please mail letter at once ma ^ Respectfully J SMITH & SONS [49.] North Elba, N. Y. 25th, April, 1859. John Henrie Esqr. Dear Sir I write to say that I have again been en- tirely prostrated with the difficulty in my head & with ague : so that I have not yet been able to attend to any business. I am now some better ; but do not think I shall be able to do much, under a week or more. Please let our friends all ^3Sr 126 Doc. No. I. round know (so far as you can) the cause of my not writing them : or of my delay: as I am not able to write much now. I will write John, & Owen. Car- penter is at Medina, Medina Co. Ohio; Hazlett is at Indiauna, Post Office, In- dianua Co. Pa. I believe you have the address of all the others. All others well. Your Friend in truth. P. S. Write me under cover to Henry Thompson, North Elba, Essex Co. N. Y., if you learn any thing of interest. B [50.] Moneka, K. T. March 29, '59 Dear Friend. Your favor of the 20th iast. was received last evening. We were gratified to hear from you and of your success. We had followed you with anxious hearts, from point to point on your perilous jouruey. Be pleased to let us hear from you from time to time, as you have opportunity. We are all well, and have been neither frightened nor hurt, though in constant peril of assassina- tion or arrest. The pro slavery party has defeated itself more by their own stu- pidity than by our smartness. We vote on the County seat in June. Send all the abolitionists here you can. Please continue that writing which you began at my house. I am a member of the Historical Society of Kansas, & am appointed on the department of bio- graphy. Please make a note of this, and act accordingly. Yours truly. Dr. Weaver killed himself I presume you have heard, while bringing in guns from Mo. to murder his neighbors with. It was a Providential interference for our protection I have no doubt. [Endorsed in old Brown's hand "A Wattles Letter. Answered May 18th."] [51.] Look for letters directed to John . Henrio: at Chambersburg. Euquire for letters at Chambersburg directed J Smith ; & Sous; for Isaac Smith). Euquire ) •> for height at the depot at Chambersburg for J, Smith & Sons ; & write them at . Harpers ferry as soon as any does coiner"? See Mr. Henry Watson at Chambers- burg : and find out if the Tribune comes on. Have Mr. Watson fti*^ his reliable friends get ready to receive company. Get Mr. Watson to make you acquainted with his reliable friends but do not appear to be any wise thick with them : fy do not often be seen with any such man. Get Mr. Watson to find out if he can a, trusty man or men to stop with at Ilagerstown : (if anysuch there be) as Mr. Thomas Hemic has gone there. Write Tidd to come to Chambersburg by Pitts- Doc, No. 1. 127 burgh ; & Harrisburg, at once. He can stop off the Pittsburg Road at Hudson & go to Jasons for his trunk. Write Carpenter, & Hazlitt, that we are all right aud ready; as sooiv as we cau get our boarding house fixed: when we will write them to come on ;*«£d by what route. I will pay Hazlett the money he advanced to Anderson for expenses traveliug. Find yourself a comfortable cheap boarding * house at once. Write J Smith, & Sons; at Harpers Ferry. Enquire after your N<>ur Cleveland friends, & have them come on to Chambersburg if they are on the way : if not on the road have them wait till we get a little better prepared. Be careful ichat you write to all persons. Do not send or bring any more persons here until we advise you of our readiness to board them. [The above is in the hand of old Brown, aud was probably intended for Kagi, alias "J. Henrie Esqr." On the back of the original, in pencil, is a rough topographical drawing of the country from Chambersburg towards Harper's Ferry. This was probably clone by Kagi, as the names of the towns and other places along the route, are in his hand.] [52.] No. GREETING; 6. Head Quarters, War Department, Near Harpers Ferry Md. Whereas Oliver Brown has been nominated a Captain iu the Army established under the Provisional Constitution, Now, Therefore, In pursuance of the authority vested iu Us by said Constitu- tion, We do hereby Appoint aud Commission the said Oliver Brown a Captain. Given at the Office of the Secretary of War, this day, Oct. 15, 1859. John Broicn, Commander in Chief. H. Kagi, Secretary of War. [The above document is printed in the original, with the exception of the words and figures which I have underscored, which are in the writing of Kagi, with the evceptiou of the signature of John Brown, which is in his own hand.] [53.] Harper's Ferry, Aug. 18th, '59. Dear Sir, We have all agreed to sustain your decisions, untill you have proved incompetent, & many of us will adhere to your decisions as long as you will. Your Friend, OWEN SMITH. [Endorsed in old Brown's writing, "Owen Smiths Letter."] 128 Doc. No. 1. [54.] North Elba, Aug. 17th 1859. Dear Brother John, We received your letter of the 7th August, last uight. Were very glad to hear that you were all well, and that you were laboring in that glorious cause. May the Lord abundantly bless all the laborers. It is a loug time since I have written to you. I have thought for several weeks past that I would certainly write this week but something has ever prevented me. I have a great deal to do this summer. AH are well. I suppose you have heard that Bell has a little boy. He is a fine little fellow and one of the best natured children I ever saw Watson named him Frederick before he went away, we all feel pleased that he gave him that name. You have no doubt heard that Watson Oliver Martha & Anna have gone to Pa. We have very dry weather but crops look very promising. Henry returned last night from Mt. Marcy where he has been as guid for some gentry. I have many things to write about but I have not time. I could not wait any longer. Will write again soon. You may send this to Fa- ther if you please.- Let us hear from you again. In haste. Your affectionate SISTER RUTH. [Endorsed "Ruth Thompsons Letter to John Smith" in old Brown's hand.] [-55.] Chambersburg, Pa. .A. M., Thursday, Aug. 11, 1859. Messrs. J Smith fy Sons : Oaks & Caufman have notified me that they have received 15 Boxes of freight marked to your address, with about $85 (eighty- five Dollars) charges all told. I await your directions in the matter. Respectfully, J. HENRIE. [Endorsed "J. Henries Letter," by Brown.] [56.] Received Collinsville June 4th 1859 of John Brown on contract of 1857 — one hundred & fifty dollars CHAS. BLAIR [Endorsed by Brown "Charles Blairs Rece'pt."] Doc. No. 1. 129 [57.] Collinsville Ct June 10th 1859 Friend Brown Your favor of the 7th was duly reed. — with the draft on N. York for $ 300 — I have made arrangements to have the goods finished up as soon as possible. The only man I could think of in this vicinity who is in situation to do it I have agreed with. But he would not agree to get them all out in less than eight weeks. Perhaps he can finish up one half the number soon if you desire it. But he has positively agreed to have them all out in eight weeks. I find that some of the handles have come up missing, and I shall not be able to make out more than about 950. Considering the delay and the extra trouble I am to be at, I thiuk you will be satisfied with that number I could have finished them when I had them under way for much less than I can now. Wishing you peace and prosperity, I remain yours truly CHAS. BLAIR [Endorsed "Charles Blairs Receipt for $300" by Brown, and directed iu Blair's handwriting, " Old John Brown." There is no envelope.] [58.] No. GREETING; 8. Head Quarters, War Department, Near Harpers Ferry, Md. Whereas, Watson Brown has been nominated a Captain in the Army estab- lished under the Provisional Constitution, Now, Therefore, In pursuance of the authority vested in Us by said Constitu- tion, We do hereby Appoint and Commission the said Watson Brown a Captain. Given at the Office of the Secretary of War, this day, Oct. 15, 1859 John Brown, Commander in Chief. H. Kagi, Secretary of War. 17 V 130 Doc. No. I. [59.] Chambersburg, Pa, 30th June, 1859. John Henrie Esqr. Dear Sir We leave here to day for Harpers Ferry; (via) II a - gerstowu. When you get there you had best look on the Hotel register for J. Smith & Sons without making much enquiry. We shall be looking for cheap lands near the Rail Road in all probability. You can write J Smith & Sons at Harpers Ferry should you need to do so. Yours in truth J SMITH [60.] Syracuse, N. York, Thursday, Aug. 17th, 1859. Friend Henrie: I am here to day so far on my way back from Bostou, whither I went on Friday last. Found our Syracuse friend there, but his engagements were such that he could not possibly leave until yesterday morning. We reached here about 12 o'clock last night. While in Boston, I improved the time in makiug the acquaintance of those staunch friends of our friend Isaac. First called on Dr. H . who, though I had no letter of introduction received me most cordially. He gave me a letter to the friend who does business in Milk Street. Went with him to his home in Medford and took dinner. The last word he said to me was "tell friend" (Isaac) "that we have the fullest confidence in his endeavor, whatever may be the result." I have met with no man on whom I think more implicit reliauce may be placed. He views matters from the stand poiuts of reason and principle, and I think his firmness is unshakable. The friend at Concord I did not see, he was absent from home. The others here will, however, communicate with him. They were all in short, very much gratified, and have had their Faith & Hopes much strengthened. Found a num- ber of earnest, and icarm friends, whose sympathies and theories do not exactly harmonise, but in spite of themselves, their hearts ivill lead their heads. Our Boston friends thought it better that our old friend from Syracuse should accom- pany me in my journey northward. I shall leave in an hour or two for Roches- ter, where I will finish this letter. I am very glad I went to Boston, as all the friends were of the opinion that our friend "I—" was in another part of the world, if not in another sphere. Our cause is their cause, in the fullest sense of the word. Doc. No. 1. 131 Rochester, Thursday eve, Aug. 17th, 1859. On ray way up to our friends house, I met his son Lewis who informs me that tiis father left here on Tuesday via N. York and Philad'a to make you a visit. Mr. L. will come on to night in the 1.30 train, when we shall go right on north. That other young friend went on from here, to visit you yesterday. He will take a more direct route. Do not know as I have any thing farther to say now. My warmest regards to all our friends. Faithfully Yours, JOHN. [Endorsed by Brown — "John Smith's letter to J. Henrie."] [61.] Isaac Smith. Chambersburg, Pa., Saturday, Aug. 27—1859. I to-day day received the enclosed letter and check ($50). One box of freight from Akron has arrived. Weight about 275 lbs. Charges $3 50. The Goods remaining at O. & K's & those at E. & Go's have been started — were taken from here yesterday morning. They should have arrived at your place last night. The box, I neglected to say, is at O. & K's. I also send letter from John Smith. J. HENRIE. [Endorsed by old Brown — "J. Heurie's Letter." [62.] West Andover Ashtabula Co. Ohio Friday Sept. 2nd 1859. Friend Henrie : I reached home day before yesterday and have since been busy writing to " our folks" both in C. and nearer home. Have sent off letters to De B. at D. to C -m, & to Buxton — & to Hamilton to P — r iu N. Y. & and this morning to F. B. S. at Concord Mass. In all of these letters I have forward the lastest word from your region. 132 Doc. No. 1. Friend L y at Ob will be on hand soon — Mr. C. H, L u will do all! he can here, but his health is bad. "J. D. H." I did not see, but L n thought would be right on. Mrs. Sturtevant is a working woman, any thing she can do she will take hold of in earnest. Write her if you get time. Jas. Smith is mar- rying a wife " & therefore cannot come." John L -n at Ob., brother of C. H. L. sympathises strongly & will work hard — Ralph, also, I think. I shall start out soon to try to get some means in the way Father suggested when here to help on the cause, in the mean time, I wish he would remit me some more moans say $25 or $ 30 — as I had only enough left to get back with, & I have to purchase the material to winter my little stock on since I was absent 6c on this business during the haying season. Am greatly rejoiced that the 15 Boxes freight are all through safe, as that was the most important part. Surely, as Father says, " a good Providence seen»3 to lead us." How was our "R v" friend Pleased, you say he returned, I wish to know in what "frame of mind." Euclosed is a letter to \V e which came under cover to me. Dont fail to keep me fully advised, as through me you can reach the faithful wherever I havt been. I will write very often. The last letter I sent you from Sandusky O. My warmest regards to each and all. Yours JOHN [ Endorsed by old Brown "J S Jr answered."! [63.] Dear Sirs : I have just received the following : Chambersburg, Pa. Monday, July 18, 1859. " Colliksville, July 12, 185f>. Messrs. J. Smith fy Sons : We are in receipt of a letter from in which he wishes the price list of Collins Co's tools forwarded to you. I have made inquiry of their agent con- cerning the matter. He says that their business is all done through their commis- sion house in New York, and to them he wished me to refer you. Their address is Collins & Co., 212 Water st. New York Yours respectfully. CHARLES H. BLAIR." Doc. No. I. 133 I wrote to Tidd one week ago to-day — several days before receiving your letter directing me to do so, and enclosing letter to H. Liudsley, which I forwarded by first mail. None of your things have yet arrived. The R. R. from Harrisburg here does no freight business itself. That all being done by a number of Forwarding Houses which run private freight cars. I have requested each of these (there are six or eight of them) to give me notice of the arrival of any thing for you. I am Your obt. sevt. J. 11ENRIE. J. Smith if Sons, Harpers Ferry, Va. [Endorsed by old Drown, "J. Henries letter." The original of the letter co- pied in the body of the above, is among the papers found at Brown's house, and from it I am enabled to supply the blank which Kagi designedly left in the second line. It is "John Brown Esq."] [64.] Collinsville Ct. August 27, 1859. Messrs. J. Smith $> Sons Your favor of the 24th inst. is at hand. In reply I would say that I have not yet forwarded any part of the freight spoken of But shall forward the whole the last of next week. It was all to have been ready the 10th of August. But in consequence of some delay in obtaining some maleable castings, the work has been delayed. And I thought it best to send the whole at once, as it would cause me some trouble to make more than one shipment, as the work is being done several miles from this place. The man who is finishing up the work assures me that it will all be ready the last of next week. I will advise the day that I send it forward. Respectfully Yours [Endorsed by Brown "Charles Blairs Letter."] CHAS. BLAIR [65.] John Henrk Esqr. Dear Sir I wish you to give such explanations to our friends, as to our situation here; as after advising with Owen you will be enabled to do. We cau of course do nothing to purpose till our freight is mostly received. You know 134 Doc. No. I. also that it takes a great deal longer to start some folks than it does others. It will be distressing in many icays to have a lot of hands for many days out of em- ploy. We must have time to get on our freight ; and also to get on some who are at a distance; before calling on those who are ready, & waiting. We must make up our lot of hands as nearly at one and the same time ; as possible. Do not use much paper to put names of persons & places uppon. Send back word about the price of board with you. Respectfully Yours, J. SMITH. [This letter was written by old Brown. There is uo envelope to it by which the date can be ascertained; although it was probably written in September, 1859. On the back is the following address: "John Henrie Esqr. Chambers- burg Pa,"] [66.] Harpers Ferry Va 10th Sept. 59 J Henrie Esq Please forward enclosed at once 6c write us on first arrival of freight or of hands to work on the job. J,ft\ kt^4- Yours &c J SMITH & SONS [67.] Boston, Mass, May 16th, 1859. J H Kagi Esqr Dear Sir I should have acknowledged the receipt of yours of April 21st to Henry Thompson ; together with writing case & papers (all safe so far as I now see) & also yours of 27th April to me : but for being badly down with the ague : so much so as to disqualify tue for every thing nearly. I have been here going on Two weeks; & am getting better for two days past but am very weak. I wish you to say to our folks all as soon as may be ; that these is scarce a doubt but that all will set right in a few days more, so that I can be on my way back. They must none of them think I have been slack to try ; 6c urge forward a delicate, & very difficult matter. I cannot now write you a long letter: being obliged to neglect replying to others; & also to put off some very immportaut correspondence. My reception has been every where most cordial; & cheering, Your Friend in truth JOHN BROWN. Doc. No. 1. 135 [68.] Westport, N. Y. 16th April 1859. J. II. Kagi Esqr. Dear Sir I am here waiting a conveyance to take me home. Have been quite prostrated almost the whole time since you left me at Johns; with the difficulty in my head & ear: & with the ague, in consequence Am now some better. Had a good visit at Rochester, but did not effect much much. Had a first rate time at Peterboro. Got of Mr. S. & others $ 160, nearly, & a note (which I think a good one) for $285. Mr. S. wrote Eastern friends to make up at least $2000, saying he was in for one-fifth the amount. I feel en- couraged to believe it will soon be done; & wish you to let our folks all round understand how the prospects are. Still it will be some days (& and it may be weeks) before I can get ready to return. I shall not be idle. If you have found my writing case, 6c papers; please forward them without delay by Express to Henry Thompson, North Elba, Essex Co. N. Y, care of Jas. A Allen Westport New York. Your Friend in truth B [Endorsed in Kagi's hand, "Ans'd To Henry Thompson;" also in one corner, in pencil, by the same hand, the following: "The Roving Editor or Talks with Slaves in the Southern States By James Red path A. D. Burdiek New York 12 mo pp 349 $1 00" besides a quautity of writing in Stenographic cipher.] [69.] Co. Md. 2d Aug. 1859. Dear Sir (No time has yet been lost.) If our friends can find some kind of employment about or near you; so as to pay for their board, & washing untill the freight gets on : it will save a good deal of expense & some exposure : We can take care of them here ; but they will be compelled to be perfectly idle ; & must not be seenabtutus. Everything is exactly right : if we can only avoid suspicion : but we shall be obliged conceal any increace of uumbers : as we cannot find a good excuse for having a larger company, People are very curious about our business. We must not fail of the purchase now. [On the back of the original slip of paper, in the middle, is the following ad- dition : "Please notify all to move : if they are impatient but to wait a few days more if not extremely so." The left hand corner of the paper containing the name of the county, is torn off.] James X Smith mark John Comiel J. H. Kagi Secretary of the Convention. [The above is a copy from a half sheet of white letter paper supposed to have been part of the Provisional Constitution adopted at Chatham, in 1858. The sig- natures are, or appear to be, in the handwriting of the different persons whose names are appended. The words " President of the Convention" after Munroe's name, are in the handwriting of Kagi.] >-\ 148 Doc. No. 1. [92.] 7. The General Staff of the Com. iu Chief will be complete by establishing, in addition to the Constitutional provisions, the Office of Commissary Gen. [The above copied from a scrap of paper not found by the Transcriber till the last, is in the handwriting of Kagi in the original, and evidently belongs to. the document numbered 4 '2".] [ 93.] EtizABETHTowx, Essex Co., N. Y. Oct 21st 1859 Sir I received yours of the 18lh inst to-day. John Brown came with his family to reside in this Co from Massachusetts iu 1849 or '50. He had sometime before that resided in Ohio, where he now has a son living I believe. Gerrit Smith about the time he came here to live, gave away a large tract of Wild land of little value to a large number of colored persons & it was supposed Brown came here to aid them in settling. He lived ou a farm in their vicinity &c his family now reside there & have done so since they first came to the county. Most of the colored persons left in a short time. Brown was away a good share of the time until 1855, when he went to Kansas & did not comeback until 1857. He left some time during that year & was only here once, until May last when he came back in co. with one Anderson said to be from Iowa. They staid here about ihree weeks both went away together, & were gone some time, both came back &c staid a few days & then left together & have not been back since either of them. Before B. came here to live he was engaged in the wool trade in Co. with •mother man 6c it is said they failed He went to Europe for a wool dealer in Massachusetts, some 7 or 8 years ago. Brown & his family sustained the cha- racter of good citizens while they were or have beeu iu the Co. with the excep- tion of his Kansas operations & his political views in regard to them he was considered deranged. I have known Brown ever since he first came to the County and have seen him frequently since then whenever he has been at home. He always had money sometimes inconsiderable amounts although his farm was not considered a very valuable one. His wife is living with two children. He has a daughter married to one Thompson brother (it is supposed) to the one killed at Harpers Ferry the 17th inst. Brown had no confidents here outside of his family or their connexions. I have written thus hastily so that it would go by the next mail. Any further information I would be pleased to furnish that you may wish, that is known in this region, in regard to him. Yours Respectfully S. C. DWYER. Hon. A. R. Boteler, Sheperdstoivn, Fa. P. S. — It is reported that his family have been looking for some news iu regard to Brown in the papers. Doc. No. 1. 149 [94.] [Among the papers are several letters from Cincinnati, O., in stenographic cipher, apparently from the house of Longley & Brothers, phonetic printers. They are dated, however, in 1856. The envelope to one of them has been pre- served, bearing the Cincinnati postmark with "Dec. 6" for date within the post- mark. Its direction is "J. H. Kagi, care 'Tribune' Topeka, Kansas."] [95.] [There is on the back of King ; into Chicago ;ili wright. Friday moruiog the old man and Wipple went ■ ■ I' unit, ami Friday Dlgbt Kagi an ! Back and the rest of our folks started for Detroit t<> and I staid until Saturday morning and then started for Cleveland with the hones and I, far as Toledo where I do hav to stop until! Mon- day in.. ruin;; and then go I'll tu Cleveland and ther I think I will find the hoys with in a day or ("• This i-; all that I have got to write at present. 1 send my hiv tu you and all the rest of the of the young folks Yours truly HENRY C. CARPENTER. I * I *•;:-*< ■ direct your lett< r at Madina, Madina Co. Ohio. [Directed to Charles IV Tidd, Springdail, Seder Co. Iowa.] [100] Gki.nnell, March 8th, 1858. Mr. Tidtl, I if ii ived your letter a fi w days since nnd was glad to hear of your safe arival at Spring Dale. 'iiiv inquiries made since you left this place, concerning you and your company to know if we had heard from you. all seemed to he very anxions that you should land the Negroes safely in the land oj health (as Mr. (Jrini; One of the Girls ut School wrote a Composition on Mr. Brown's taking the »iu Mo. I read in the paper this morning that Mr. Brown and his company . ■ . , ; through Grinnell The Grinnell School exhibition is coming off Tuesday Evening the 18th of this month, an ' oj cou w\ should all be very glad to see you here. EUZABETB BATCHAM. Yours Respectively. [Direct.'. I to "Mr. ('has. J. Tidd. Spriogdale, Cedar Co. Iowa," and post- mark, d "Grinnell Iowa Mar. 8."] Doc. No. 1. 153 [101.] [Miss Elizabeth E. Tidd, writing from Clinton, Ms., Feb. 17th, 1858, to her brother Charles P. Tidd, says, "You may believe that I was very glad indeed to receive your letter dated Jan. 21st, I have written to you twice siuce you have written, and I felt afraid that you had ether forgotten me or had found somethiug to be displeased about. But I suppose your travelling about has prevented the receipt of my last one at least. 1 hope this one will reach you. I was surprised, very much surprised, at your determination. I hope you have considered the con- sequences as seriously as they deserve. You give your time, your strength and the best years of your manhood in endeavoring to accomplish w hat I fear you will find in the end can never be accomplished by brute force." In another letter, from the same place, dated May 11th, 1858, she says to Tidd, " I have just received your letter dated Chatham, C. W., I had mailed a letter to you directed to Springdale a moment before, but I recalled it and I now enclose this to Lindenville. I feel very much interested to know of your whereabouts and of your welfare, and I heartily bid you God speed iu anythiug and every thing that is right and true. Oh my dear brother, I want to see you so mucin I'm sick to-day, and am feeling very desolate indeed, and your words "I cannot see you for a year perhaps never," make the tears come. Of course I should like to know the details of your plans; I feel curious to become acquainted with the method by which the institution of slavery is to be aprooted in a few months. The monster has grown slowly, but surely, and it is entwined in the hearts of the s-outhern people, and its overthrow must be, I think, a work of time. But per- haps you allude to slavery in Kansas. I trust it will be free yet, and I shall ba very proud if I can say that my brother has helped to do it." 154 Doc. No. 1. [102.] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 899 163 1 Harpers Fkrhy, Oct. loth, 1859. Lewis Hay den Secretary of Stale x s Office, Slate House, Boston : Orders disobeyed. Conditions broken. Pay S. immediately balance of my money. Allow no further expenses. Recall money advanced, if not sent. FRANCIS J. MERRIAM. \ [The above is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch sent by Merriam from Harpers Ferry on the day before the outbre-ak there commenced.] [103.] [Tidd's correspondence appears to have been more extensive than that of any of the rest of Brown's confederates.- Among his letters are several from a Quaker family of the name of Varuey, who lived either in or near SpVingdale, Iowa. Moses Vnrney, on the 9th of July 1859, writing to Tidd, says, in connec- tion with remarks about some enterprise which Tidd was understood by him (Varuey) and his family, to have embarked in for the cause of " bondsmen," — "We received a letter from Tabor — all right — sigued by G. B. Gaetou, Edwin Hill, Charles Miniswager, Robert H. Hurlbut, Marcus C. Pears?, Darius P. Mat- thews, Jesse West, C. A. Webster, James Jones, S. H. Adams, A. C. Gaston, A. M. Gaston." In the same connection, he speaks of them as "our particular friends here," which seems to have been a favorite mode of alluding to ti'ose who were either actually engaged in or had cognizance of Brown's contemplated p!ans. There is another letter to Tidd, from West Branch (Iowa), on the "8th mo.. 11th, 1859," [the Quaker mode of computing time], signed by "Emlen," who is believed, from the handwriting and from other circumstances developed in the letters of old ' Mother Varney," which were pretty freely showered upon Tidd, to be a you f the Varney family. She says, "I hear of an insurrection of the colore! people some where. If it is near you, you will be likely to know something of the excitement as you are so near the line. If a person keeps out of all "scrapes," he will not be likely to get into difficulty. Well, I suppose John E. is married. Give him my regards." She also sends her love to '• tho old man," to Kagi, Whipple [Stephens], and to several others of Brown's band. The "John E." is evidently John E. Cook, who was married at Harpers Ferry. Another of the Vameys, who signs her letter "Anna," says, "Excuse me, my dear friend, for saying so much, for I feel that under thy present engagements, thou hast great need to feel prepared to meet thy final Judge, not knowing how 'suddenly thou may be cut down, and all thy efforts for the relief of the bondsman be at an end." The date of her letter is "7th mo. 22d, '59."] \ J LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 899 163 1 pennulife® pH8.5