Christine Mathews
WELCOME TO THE GALLERY!
Chambersburg, PA 2nd August 1859
Dear Wife and Children and all,
If Watson and De, should set out soon after getting this ‘A may be well. They will avoid saying anything on the road about North Elba. It will be quite as well to say they are from Essex Co; and need not say anything about it unless they are questioned: when they had better say as above. Persons who do not talk much are seldom questioned much. They should buy through tickets of Troy or of New York for Baltimore: where they will get tickets for transferring: and there by enquiring of Mr. Michael Ault who keeps the toll bridge over which they have to haps ; they can find T. Smith on the Kennedy Farm. Watson will be a son; and De; his brother in law; Thompson, of any inquiry is made of the bridge; or elsewhere. They had better not bring drunks. We are well. May God abundantly bless; and keep you all.
Yours Affectionate Husband and Father
Chambersburg, PA 16th Aug, 1859
Dear Wife and Children all,
I felt all well at home yesterday but Martha who was complaining a little. Am in hopes nothing serious is the matter. I will only now say I am getting along as well perhaps all things considered; as I ought to expect. We all want to hear from you; but we do not want you all to write; and you need only say all is well or otherwise as the ease may be. When you write, enclose a small envelope such as I now send; seal it, and write on it no other directions; than T. Smith, and Sons. Enclose that in a stamped envelope, and direct it John Henrie Ergn of Chambersburg, Franklin Co, PA; who will send it to us.
Affectionately Yours,
John Brown
Chambersburg, PA 8th Sept, 1859
Dear Wife and Children all,
I write to you to say that we are all well; and are getting along as well as we could reasonably expect. It now appears likely that Martha and Anne; will be on their way home in the course of this month: but they may be detained to a little later period. I do not know what to advice about fattening the old, spotted cow: as much will depend on what you have to feed her with; whether your heifers will come in or not; next Spring: also upon her present condition. You must exercise the best judgement you have in the matter; as I know but little about your chops. I should like to know more as soon as I can. I am now in hopes of being able to send you something in the way of help before long. May God abundantly bless you all. Ellen, I want you to be very good.
Your Affectionate Husband and Father,
John Brown
September 9th- Bells letter of 30th Aug to Watson is received
Sept 20th, 1859- All well. He will probably start for home soon.
Yours ever,
J.B.
Chambersburg, PA 8th Oct, 1859
Dear Wife and Children all,
Oliver returned safe on Wednesday of this week. I want Bell, and Martha both to feel that they have a home with you until we return. We shall do all in our power to provide for the wants of the whole as one family; till that time. Of Martha; and Anne, had any money left after getting home: I wish it to be used to make all as comfortable as may be; for the present. All one in usually good health. I expect John will send you some assistance soon. Write him all you want to us. God bless you all.
Your Affectionate Husband and Father
Chambertown, PA 31st Oct, 1859.
My Dear Wife, and Children every one,
I suppose you have learned before this by the newspapers that two weeks ago today we were fighting for our lives of Harpers Ferry: that during the fight was mortally wounded; Oliver killed, Thompson killed, and Dauphin slightly wounded. That on the following day, I was taken prisoner immediately after which I received several sabre cuts in my head; and Bayonet stabs in my body. As nearly as I learn Watson died of his wound on Wednesday the 2nd or on Thursday the 3rd day after I was taken. Dauphin was killed when I was taken; and Anderson. I suppose also, have since been tried and found guilty of treason; and in murder in the first degree. I have not yet received my sentence. No others of the company with whom you were acquainted were so far as I can learn either killed or taken. Under all these terrible calamities; I feel quite cheerful in the assurance that God reigns; and will overrule all for his glory; and the best possible good. I feel no consciousness of guilt in the matter: nor even mortification on account of my imprisonment; and irons; and I feel perfectly assured that very soon no member of my family will feel any hospitable disposition to “blush on my account.” Already dear friends at a distance with kindest sympathy are cheering me with the assurance that posterity at least: will do me justice. I shall commend you all together with my beloved; but bereaved daughter in law to their sympathies which I have no doubt will soon reach you. I also commend you all to him “whose mercy endureth forever”: to the God of my
fathers “whose I am; and whom I love. He will never leave you nor forsake you” unless you forsake him. Finally my dearly beloved be of good comfort. Be sure to remember and follow my advice and my example too: it has been consistent with the holy religion of Jesus Christ which I remain a most firm, and humble believer. Never forget the poor nor anything you bestow on them to be lost, to you even though they may be as black as Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, the eunuch who coned for Jeremiah in the pit of the dungeon; or as black as the one to whom Phillip preached Christ. "Remember them that one in bonds as bound with them." I am in the charge of a jailor like the one who took charge of "Paul and Sila's"; and you may rest assured that both kind hearts and kind faces are more or less about me; whilst thousands are thirsting for my blood. "These light afflictions which one but for a moment shall work out for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." I hope to be able to write you again. My wounds are doing well. Copy thirst send it to your sorrow stricken brothers Ruth; to comfort them. Write me a few words in regard to the welfare of all. God Almighty bless you all and make you joyful in the midst of all your tribulations. Write to John Brown Charlestown Jefferson Co of Captain John Avis.
Your Affectionate Husband and Father,
John Brown