Questroyal 2009

John Brown ( 1800 – 1859 ) American abolitionist Plate 48 A Defining Letter that Provokes the Nation to Civil War Autograph letter signed (“John Brown”) to Franklin Sanborn, Peterboro, NewYork, February 24, 1858 , two pages. Brown asks a member of the “Secret Six” to “make a common cause” with him two days after revealing his plan to raid a federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry and spark a major slave rebellion. transcription Peterboro, N. Y. 24 .th Feby, 1858 . F B Sanborn Esq My Dear Friend Mr. Morton has taken the liberty of saying to me that you felt ½ inclined to make a common cause with me. I greatly rejoice at this; for I believe when you come to look at the ample field I labour in; & the rich harvest which (not only this entire country, but) the whole world during the present & future generation may reap from its successful cultivation; you will feel that you are out of your element until you find you are in it; an entire Unit. What an inconceivable amount of good you might so effect; by your counsel, your example, your encouragement, your natural & acquired ability; for active service. And then how very little we can possibly loose? Certainly the cause is enough to live for; if not to for. I have only had this one opportunity in a life of nearly Sixty years, & could I be continued ten times as long again I might not again have another equal opportunity. God has honored but comparatively a very small part of mankind with any [ 2 ] possible chance for such mighty & soul satisfying rewards. But my dear friend if you should make up your mind to do so I trust it will be wholly from the prompting of your own spirit; after having thoroughly counted the cost. I would flatter no man into such a measure if I could do it ever so easily. I expect nothing but to “endure hardness”: but I expect to effect a mighty conquest even though it be like the last victory of Samson. I felt for a number of years in earlier life; a steady strong desire to die: but since I saw any prospect of becoming a ‘reaper’ in the great harvest I have not only felt quite willing to live: but have enjoyed life much; I am now rather anxious to live for a few years more. Your sincere friend John Brown