December 20, 1855.—Susan B. Anthony is in town and spoke in Bemis Hall this afternoon. She made a special request that all the seminary girls should come to hear her as well as all the women and girls in town. She had a large audience and she talked very plainly about our rights and how we ought to stand up for them, and said the world would never go right until the women had just as much right to vote and rule as the men. She asked us all to come up and sign our names who would promise to do all in our power to bring about that glad day when equal rights should be the law of the land. A whole lot of us went up and signed the paper. When I told Grandmother about it she said she guessed Susan B. Anthony had forgotten that St Paul said the women should keep silence. I told her, no, she didn’t for she spoke particularly about St Paul and said if he had lived in these times, instead of 1800 years ago, he would have been as anxious to have the women at the head of the government as she was. I could not make Grandmother agree with her at all and she said we might better all of us stayed at home. We went to prayer meeting this evening and a woman got up and talked. Her name was Mrs Sands. We hurried home and told Grandmother and she said she probably meant all right and she hoped we did not laugh.
Monday.—I told Grandfather if he would bring me some sheets of foolscap paper I would begin to write a book. So he put a pin on his sleeve to remind him of it and to-night he brought me a whole lot of it. I shall begin it to-morrow.
Tuesday.—I decided to copy a lot of choice stories and have them printed and say they were “compiled by Caroline Cowles Richards,” it is so much easier than making them up. I spent three hours to-day copying one and am so tired I think I shall give it up. When I told Grandmother she looked disappointed and said my ambition was like “the morning cloud and the early dew,” for it soon vanished away. Anna said it might spring up again and bear fruit a hundredfold. Grandfather wants us to amount to something and he buys us good books whenever he has a chance. He bought me Miss Caroline Chesebro’s book, “The Children of Light,” and Alice and Phoebe Cary’s Poems. He is always reading Channing’s memoirs and sermons and Grandmother keeps “Lady Huntington and Her Friends” next to “Jay’s Morning and Evening Exercises” and her Testament. Anna told Grandmother that she saw Mrs George Willson looking very steadily at us in prayer meeting the other night and she thought she might be planning to “write us up.” Grandmother said she did not think Mrs Willson was so short of material as that would imply, and she feared she had some other reason for looking at us. I think dear Grandmother has a little grain of sarcasm in her nature, but she only uses it on extra occasions. Anna said, “Oh, no; she wrote the lives of the three Mrs Judson and I thought she might like for a change to write the biographies of the ‘two Miss Richards.'” Anna has what might be called a vivid imagination.
Osawatomie K T 16th Dec 1855 Sabbath Evening
Dear Wife & Children every one
I improve the first Mail since my return from the camp of volunteers who lately turned out for the defence of the town of Lawrence in this Territory; & not withstanding I suppose you have learned the result before this (possibly) will give a brief account of the invasion in my own way. About Three of the Four Weeks ago news came that a Free State man by the name of Dow had murdered by a pro-Slavery man by the name of Coleman; who had gone & given himself up for trial to pro Slavery Gov Shannon. This was soon followed by further news that a Free State man who was the only reliable witness against the murderer had been seized by a Missourian appointed Sheriff by the Bogus Legislature of Kansas upon false pretexts examined, & held to Bail under such heavy bonds to answer to those false charges as he could not give; & that while on his way to jail in charge of the Bogus Sheriff; he was rescued by some men belonging to a company near Lawrence; & that in consequence of the rescue Gov Shannon had ordered out all the pro Slavery force he could muster in the Territory; & called on Missouri for further help; that about two thousand had collected demanding a surrender of the rescued witness, & of the rescuers; the destruction of several buildings & printing presses & giving up of the Sharp’s Rifles by the Free State men; some threatening to destroy the Town with Cannon with which they were provided etc & that about an equal number of Free State men had turned out to resist them, & that a Battle was hourly expected; or supposed to have been already fought. These reports appeared to be well authenticated; but we could get no further account of matters; & I left this for the place where the Boys are settled at Evening intending to go to Lawrence to learn the facts the next day. John was however started on Horseback; but before he had gone many rods word came that our help was immediately wanted. On getting this last news it was at once agreed to break up at Johns Camp, & take Wealthy, & Jonny to Jasons Camp, (some Two Miles off); & that all the men but Henry, Jason, & Oliver, should at once set off for Lawrence under Arms, those Three being wholly unfit for duty. We then set about providing a little Corn Bread; & Meat, Blankets, Cooking Utensils, running Bullets, loading all our Guns Pistols etc. The Five set off in the Afternoon, & after a short rest in the Night (which was quite dark) continued our march untill after daylight next Morning when we got our Breakfast, started again; & reached Lawrence in the Forenoon all of us more or less lamed by our tramp. In reaching the place we found that negotiations had commenced between Gov Shannon(having a force of some Fifteen or Sixteen Hundred men) & the principal leaders of the Free State men; they having a force of some Five Hundred men at that time. These were busy night & day fortifying the Town with Embankments; & circular Earthworks up to the time of the Treaty with the Gov; as an attack was constant looked for; not withstanding the negociations then pending; This state of things continued from Friday until Sunday Evening. On the Evening we left a company of the invaders of from Fifteen to Twenty attacked some Three or Four Free State men mostly unarmed killing a Mr Barber from Ohio wholly unarmed. His boddy was afterward brought in; & lay for some days in the room afterward occupied by a part the company to which belong; (it being organized after we reached Lawrence) The building was a large unfinished Stone Hotel; in which a great part of the volunteers were quartered; & who witnessed the scene of bringing in the Wife & other friends of the murdered man. I will only say of this scene that it was Heart rending; & calculated to exasperate the men exceedingly; & one of the sure results of Civil War. After frequently calling on the leaders of the Free State men to come & have an interview with him, by Gov Shannon; & after as often getting for answer that if we had any business to transact with any one in Lawrence to come, & attend to it; he signified his wish to come into the Town; & an escort was sent to the invaders Camp to conduct him in. When there the leading Free State men finding out his weakness, frailty, and conciousness of the awkward circumstances into which he had really got himself; took advantage of his Cowardice, & Folly; & by means of that; & the free use of Whiskey; & some Trickery; succeeded in getting a written arrangement with him much to their own liking. He stipulated with them to order the pro Slavery men of Kansas home; & to proclaim to the Missouri invaders that they must quit the Territory without delay; & also give up Gen Pomeroy a prisoner on their Camp; which was all done; he also recognizing the volunteers as the Militia of Kansas; & empowering their Officers to call them out whenever in their discretion the safety of Lawrence or other portions of the territory might require it to be done He Gov Shannon gave up all pretention of further attempt to enforce the enactments of the Bogus Legislature, & retired subject to the derision & scoffs of the Free State men (into whose hands he had commited the welfare & protection of Kansas); & to the pity of some; & the curses of others of the invading force So ended this last Kansas invasion the Missourians returning with flying colors after incuring heavy expences; suffering great exposure, hardships & privations; not having fought any Battles, Burned or destroyed any infant Towns, or Abolition Presses; leaving the Free Statemen organized, & armed; & in full possession of Territory; not having fulfilled any of all their dreadful threatenings, except to murder One unarmed man; & to commit some Roberies, & waste of property uppon defenceless families unfortunately in their power. We learn by their papers they boast of a great victory over the Abolitionists; & well they may. Free State men have only hereafter to retain the footing they have gained; And Kansas is Free. Yesterday the people passed uppon the Free State Constitution. The result though not yet known; no one doubts. One little circumstance connected with our own number showing a little of the true character of those invaders. On our way about Three Miles from Lawrence we had to pass a Bridge (with Arms and Amunition) of which the invaders held possession; but as the Five had each a gun, with two large Revolvers in a Belt (exposed to view) with a Third in his Pocket; & as we moved directly on to the bridge without making any halt, they for some reason suffered us to pass without interruption; notwithstanding there were some Fifteen toTwenty Five (as variously reported) stationed in a Log House at one end of the Bridge. We could not count them. A Boy on our approach ran & gave them notice. Five others of our Company well armed; who followed us some Miles behind met with equally civil treatment the same day. After we left to go to Lawrence until we returned when disbanded; I did not see the last sign of cowardice or want of self possession exhibited by any volunteer of the Eleven Companies who constituted the Free State force & I never expect again to see an equal number of such well behaved, cool, determined men; fully as I believe sustaining the high character of the Revolutionary Fathers; but enough of this as we intend to send you a paper giving a more full account of the affair. We have cause for gratitude in that we all returned safe, & well; with the exception of hard Colds; & found those left behind rather improving. We have received Fifty Dollars from Father, & learn from him that he has sent you the same amount for which we ought to be grateful; as we are much relieved both as respects ourselves; & you. The mails have been kept back during the invasion; but we hope to hear from you again soon. Mr. Adairs folks are well; or nearly so. Weather mostly pleasant but sometimes quite severe. No snow of account as yet. Can think of but little more tonight. Monday Morning 17th Dec. The ground for the first time is barely Whitened with snow & it is quite cold but we have before had a good deal of cold weather with heavy Rains. Henry & Oliver & I may Jason were disappointed in not being able to go to war. The disposition at both our Camps to turn out was uniform I believe I have before acknowledged the receipt of a letter from you & Watson. Have just taken one from the Office for Henry that I think to be from Ruth. Do write often & let me know all about how you get along through the Winter. May God abundantly bless you all; & make you faithful.
Yours Affectionate Husband & Father
John Brown
Kansas 1855
Browns Station, Kansas Territory, 14th Decem 1855
Orson Day Esqr
White Hall
N Y Dear Sir
I have just returned for the Kansas War (about which you have no doubt learned by the news papers;) & find your Letter of the 19th Nov. As I intend to send you shortly a paper published here giving you a more full account of the invasion than I can consistently afford the time to give; I will only say at this time that the territory is now entirely in the power of the Free State men; & notwithstanding this result has been secured by means of some bravery, & tact; with a good deal of trickery on the one side; & of cowardice, folly, & drunkeness on the other yet so it is; & I believe the Missourians will give up all further hope of making Kansas a Slave State. Tomorrow the people of Kansas will decide whether to adopt or to reject the Free Constitution submitted to them; & I have no doubt of its adoption. Indeed I consider it no longer a question whether this is to be a free or a Slave State. As I wrote you a few days since we have secured a good claim for you & shall be preparing to build on it for you as fast as we can. As we have access to no Saw Mill as yet for any lumber. Think you & Mrs Day had better leave the plannig of a House to Mr. Thompson & myself; but still if you send us a plan in season we will conform to it so far as circumstances will allow of it. Could you be on the ground & understand all the circumstances in connection you would probably decide to do in many respects different from what you would if at White Hall. I would be glad to get you to buy a Draft on New York at some good bank in your vicinity for $146.38 One Hundred & Forty Six Dollars & Thirty Eight Cents payable to the order of T W Carter, Esqr; & send it to him in a letter directed T W Carter Esqr. Agent Mass. Arms Co. Chicopee Falls, Mass.; asking him to acknowlege the receipt as for me; & will make the same all right with you I want to remit him that amount in payment for Fire arms sent me by him; & without which we might have been placed in very awkward circumstances. I am more & more plased with this country; & with the prospects of my friends here; & think I may recommend it to you in good faith. Please write me on receipt of this whether you can accommodate me about the Draft for Mr. Carter or not; so that I may know as soon as may be. Land Warrants will be as good as gold in payment for Land as soon as the Lands are in readiness for market; & you will be safe in improving on a Claim while you keep a Warrant ready to pay for it with The health of my Family out here is improving. The most of them are in fine health. In great haste Your Friend
John Brown
Kansas 1855
Richmond friday Dec 7 1855
Dear Brother
Thinking you May Want to hear Whare I am and how I get along I take my pen to inform you – I am on my way to Kansas City My health is improving. I think if I am carefull I Shall get along without any more trouble from Sickness unless I take cold – in Regard To the State of things here it is imposable to tell how things are – one thing is certain Thare is a grate Excitment here the Missourians tell terible Stories about the Abolitionest they Say the abilitionest are Driving out pro Slavery famelies & Burning thare Houses others Say thare is a conspiracy to do that thing – the probable trouth is that thare was a Difficulty Beteen a free State man & a pro Slavery man the pro Slavery Man Shot the free State man & killed him and he was taken by the Sheriff and the people at Lawrence or about 40 men took him from the Sheriff & Thretened to Shoot or Hang him that probably is about the trouth in the case thare is great Stories got up for the Momment to cause Excitment – The Report is that thare are Eleven Hundred Men at Lawrence all armed With Sharps Riffels With Six Cannon and that they have Thrown an imbankment around the City and are Deturmined to fight – the pro Slavery party have at the Last account about Eight Hundred in the vicinity of Lawrence and Wer coming in from all quarters – the govenor Says he Wants three thousand Men then he Shall trye to Subdue the Rebelion – the Report is that the president has instructed the govenor to Call out the Soldiers from the forts in this vicinity to help put down the Rebelion as I Said Before it is imposable to tell What to beleive one thing is Certain thare is a very grate Excitment thare has ben – Reselutions passed by the Missourians To Burn Lawrence and drive out the Dambd Abilitionists – What the Result Will be god only Can tell if they Should get afiting whare it will End it is imposable for human Knowlage to fore See My prayer is that god Who Controols the affairs of men will Controol these – Raging Elements & Bring about a calm
I think I Shall be in Kansas City tomorow Evening if nothing happens then I Can tell Better How things Look and perhaps get Something nearer the truth – The Report is that Judge Johnson who came up on the Boat with us and Left Lexington Sabbath Morning in Company with Mr Whitney has ben arested also General Pumroy and two other Men and that Pumroy has got away from them and is at Lawrence Cince Wrighting the above thare has a Stage driven come from Weston who Says thare has ben a fight and that thare has ben 60 pro Slavery men Killed and Woonded. I think this is not So but to help fan and the Excitment So as to get men Enough thare to over [???] the Rebbils as they are Called here – I think the Dye will be Cast Within two or three days – if I am a Live and Well I will Wright you again – you need not give your Self any unesines about me I Shall trye to Keep out of harms Way – if they Should get a fighting I Should Return Home as I Could do no buisnes out here – Remember me to all Who is or may be interested
Respectfully yours Hiram Hill
P S. if thare is anything in this that you think Would be intresting to Geare or Trumble you may pick it out to send it them
– good By H Hill
