A fanatical abolitionist, Brown maintained an Underground Railroad station in Ohio. In the mid-1850s, he moved to Kansas, where he led a guerrilla band responsible for the Pottawatomie massacre. Supported by six wealthy patrons, he planned to capture the Federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry and distribute the weapons to slaves. The violent plot ultimately failed when he was captured by Robert E. Lee and hanged, but his insurrection led the country closer to the Civil War. Hand addressed envelope panel, 5.75 x 3, addressed in Brown’s hand to “John A. Schlesinger, Esq., Care of Mess. Leonard and Rodman, Springfield, Mass,” adding “Paid” across the top.” Matted and framed with a portrait of Brown, to an overall size of 10 x 14. In fine condition, with two light postal marks and collector’s notation to lower left corner. R&R COA.
