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. ALS, one page, 7.5 x 8, May 22, 1849. Letter to William Hodges. In full, 'I have at last reached Essex Co. with family team and c but am detained from going to Timbuktu in consequence of my wagon [sic] not coming as soon as I expected. I hope however to get away in a day or two. I shall be obliged myself to return to Springfield in a few days for a while, and would be exceedingly glad to see you about the last of this week so that we may make some arrangements before I go back to Springfield. My wife is in feeble health.' In good condition, with scattered staining, small area of a repaired paper loss to last line of text, several small separations along folds and several small holes at intersections of folds. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
