This collection consists of correspondence and papers of John Brown, an American abolitionist. The collection contains letters from Brown's fellow abolitionist, Franklin Benjamin Sanborn concerning the Free-Soil contest in Kansas, the National Kansas Committee, and various state committees. The letters concern finances and the amassing of arms for Brown's insurgencies on Kansas soil. Two letters concerning Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, from local resident D. E. Henderson, give a detailed account of the foray. A military order, signed by Robert E. Lee, details a guard to escort Brown and his fellow prisoners to the Charleston jail. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Jul 27, 2022

John Brown Collection

This collection consists of correspondence and papers of John Brown, an American abolitionist. The collection contains letters from Brown's fellow abolitionist, Franklin Benjamin Sanborn concerning the Free-Soil contest in Kansas, the National Kansas Committee, and various state committees. The letters concern finances and the amassing of arms for Brown's insurgencies on Kansas soil. Two letters concerning Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, from local resident D. E. Henderson, give a detailed account of the foray. A military order, signed by Robert E. Lee, details a guard to escort Brown and his fellow prisoners to the Charleston jail.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
102 Objects displayed
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A brief biographical sketch of Richard Parker.
John Brown Collection
Biographical Sketch of Richard Parker, circa 1950
Date Created
1945/1955
Description
A brief biographical sketch of Richard Parker.
Subject
Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A check for 100 dollars signed by John Brown.
John Brown Collection
Check Signed by John Brown, February 24, 1852
Date Created
1852-02-24
Description
A check for 100 dollars signed by John Brown.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A contract written by Brown deeding half of the land purchased by Brown to Thompson. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Contract Between John Brown and Seth Thompson, June 23, 1836
Date Created
1836-06-23
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A contract written by Brown deeding half of the land purchased by Brown to Thompson. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A copy of a memorandum note appended to the bottom of a declaration boycotting Post Sutler Dewitt. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Copy of Memorandum Note, circa 1920
Date Created
1915/1925
Description
A copy of a memorandum note appended to the bottom of a declaration boycotting Post Sutler Dewitt. 1 page.
Subject
Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from Abiel Brown regarding the death of Thompson's mother. 4 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Abiel Brown to Seth Thompson, September 27, 1814
Date Created
1814-09-27
Author
Brown, Abiel
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from Abiel Brown regarding the death of Thompson's mother. 4 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from Abiel Brown regarding the death of family members. 4 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Abiel Brown to Seth Thompson, September 28, 1816
Date Created
1816-09-28
Author
Brown, Abiel
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from Abiel Brown regarding the death of family members. 4 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of land and including a map drawn by Brown. 5 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence and Map, John Brown to Seth Thompson, January 4, 1836
Date Created
1836-01-04
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of land and including a map drawn by Brown. 5 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to C. W. Tayleure to John Brown, Jr. concerning the death of Brown's brother, Watson. 5 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, C. W. Tayleure to John Brown, Jr., June 18, 1879
Date Created
1879-06-18
Author
Tayleure, C. W.
Description
A letter to C. W. Tayleure to John Brown, Jr. concerning the death of Brown's brother, Watson. 5 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter from D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother recounting the events of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. 9 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother, October 19, 1859
Date Created
1859-10-19
Author
Henderson, D. E.
Description
A letter from D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother recounting the events of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. 9 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter from D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother recounting the events of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother, October 22, 1859
Date Created
1859-10-22
Author
Henderson, D. E.
Description
A letter from D. E. Henderson to Mr. Strother recounting the events of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A facsimile of a letter to Reverend Luther Humphrey from John Brown in the Charlestown jail in Virginia talking about his possible punishment and Christian faith. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence [Facsimile], John Brown to Rev. Luther Humphrey, November, 19, 1859
Date Created
1859-11-19
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A facsimile of a letter to Reverend Luther Humphrey from John Brown in the Charlestown jail in Virginia talking about his possible punishment and Christian faith. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Capital punishment
Collection
John Brown Collection
A postcard to C. W. Ernst from Franklin B. Sanborn regarding a reference. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to C. W. Ernst, April 17, 1894
Date Created
1894-04-17
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A postcard to C. W. Ernst from Franklin B. Sanborn regarding a reference. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to C. W. Ernst from Franklin B. Sanborn regarding a letter Sanborn received. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to C. W. Ernst, January 18, 1889
Date Created
1889-01-18
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to C. W. Ernst from Franklin B. Sanborn regarding a letter Sanborn received. 1 page.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about Brown averting arrest and travel to Kansas. Sanborn also discusses his admiration and respect for Brown and his activities, mentioning caring and defending his family. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, April 26, 1857
Date Created
1857-04-26
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about Brown averting arrest and travel to Kansas. Sanborn also discusses his admiration and respect for Brown and his activities, mentioning caring and defending his family. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Crime
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about visiting with Brown's family and payment of one thousand dollars to Mr. Smith. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, August 14, 1857
Date Created
1857-08-14
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about visiting with Brown's family and payment of one thousand dollars to Mr. Smith. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding the Lecompton Constitution. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, August 25, 1858
Date Created
1858-08-25
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding the Lecompton Constitution. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising and the state of affairs in Kansas. 4 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, August 28, 1857
Date Created
1857-08-28
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising and the state of affairs in Kansas. 4 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding the state of affairs in Kansas. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, December 17, 1857
Date Created
1857-12-17
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding the state of affairs in Kansas. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, February 11, 1857
Date Created
1857-02-11
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding Hugh Forbes and his anger with Brown, and Sanborn. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, January 12, 1858
Date Created
1858-01-12
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding Hugh Forbes and his anger with Brown, and Sanborn. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, January 28, 1857
Date Created
1857-01-28
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, March 1, 1857
Date Created
1857-03-01
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, requesting a visit because of a legislature hearing. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about travel to Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, March 21, 1857
Date Created
1857-03-21
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about travel to Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Travel
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, talking about Brown speaking in Worcester, Massachusetts, and meeting and travel arrangements between Boston and New York. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, March 25, 1857
Date Created
1857-03-25
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, talking about Brown speaking in Worcester, Massachusetts, and meeting and travel arrangements between Boston and New York. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Travel
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about travel between Boston, Worcester, and Washington. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, March 25, 1857
Date Created
1857-03-25
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, about travel between Boston, Worcester, and Washington. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Travel
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, discussing the letter Brown wrote in a newspaper and the current situation in Kansas. [Possibly referring to "Bleeding Kansas" and Border ruffians sacking Lawrence, Kansas]. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, March 9, 1857
Date Created
1857-03-09
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, discussing the letter Brown wrote in a newspaper and the current situation in Kansas. [Possibly referring to "Bleeding Kansas" and Border ruffians sacking Lawrence, Kansas]. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, telling of the return of one thousand dollars and asking about family affairs. He talks about Kansas and it's position on slavery. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, May 20, 1857
Date Created
1857-05-20
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, telling of the return of one thousand dollars and asking about family affairs. He talks about Kansas and it's position on slavery. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding finances and elections in Kansas. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, October 19, 1857
Date Created
1857-10-19
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding finances and elections in Kansas. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising. 4 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, September 14, 1857
Date Created
1857-09-14
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising. 4 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Franklin B. Sanborn to John Brown, September 19, 1857
Date Created
1857-09-19
Author
Sanborn, F. B. (Franklin Benjamin), 1831-1917
Description
A letter to John Brown from Franklin B. Sanborn, regarding fundraising. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Richard Parker from George Tate regarding a payment and the spread of typhoid fever. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, George Tate to Richard Parker, December 16, 1854
Date Created
1854-12-16
Author
Tate, George
Description
A letter to Richard Parker from George Tate regarding a payment and the spread of typhoid fever. 2 pages.
Subject
Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Richard Parker from James Lyons regarding papers and receipts belonging to Parker's father. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, James Lyons to Richard Parker, January 10, 1843
Date Created
1843-01-10
Author
Lyons, James
Description
A letter to Richard Parker from James Lyons regarding papers and receipts belonging to Parker's father. 2 pages.
Subject
Political science
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Franklin B. Sanborn from Jason Brown, refusing a one hundred dollar check sent to him by William Lloyd Garrison. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, Jason Brown to Frank B. Sanborn, September 10, 1885
Date Created
1885-09-10
Author
Brown, Jason, 1823-1912
Description
A letter to Franklin B. Sanborn from Jason Brown, refusing a one hundred dollar check sent to him by William Lloyd Garrison. 1 page.
Subject
Abolitionists
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to David Hudson from John Brown concerning bulls and other animals available for sale. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to David Hudson, May 10, 1831
Date Created
1831-05-10
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to David Hudson from John Brown concerning bulls and other animals available for sale. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Henry Thompson from John Brown concerning the purchase of oats and shingles, and settling various accounts with individuals. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Henry Thompson, May 15, 1851
Date Created
1851-05-15
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Henry Thompson from John Brown concerning the purchase of oats and shingles, and settling various accounts with individuals. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Mary A. Brown from John Brown describing his recent activities in Ohio and New York, including an account of goods purchased, debts paid, and a sale of horses. 3 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Mary A. Brown, July 3, 1850
Date Created
1850-07-03
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Mary A. Brown from John Brown describing his recent activities in Ohio and New York, including an account of goods purchased, debts paid, and a sale of horses. 3 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the leather business and Brown's desire to purchase oxen and sheep. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, April 13, 1832
Date Created
1832-04-13
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the leather business and Brown's desire to purchase oxen and sheep. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning the need for more livestock. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, April 19, 1834
Date Created
1834-04-19
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning the need for more livestock. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of land in Franklin Mills. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, April 4, 1836
Date Created
1836-04-04
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of land in Franklin Mills. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning his move to Massachusetts and the price of goods. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 12, 1847
Date Created
1847-08-12
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning his move to Massachusetts and the price of goods. 1 page.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the death of his wife, children, and his own health concerns. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 13, 1831
Date Created
1831-08-13
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the death of his wife, children, and his own health concerns. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
Part of a letter sent to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the raising of funds and transport of leather. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 17, 1832
Date Created
1832-08-17
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
Part of a letter sent to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the raising of funds and transport of leather. 1 page.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding land debts. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 2, 1837
Date Created
1837-08-02
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding land debts. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding a trip to Buffalo and the sale of goods. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 20, 1831
Date Created
1831-08-20
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding a trip to Buffalo and the sale of goods. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
Part of a letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of leather. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, August 22, 1833
Date Created
1833-08-22
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
Part of a letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the sale of leather. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
Part of a letter sent to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the purchase of wool and sale of cattle. 1 page.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, circa 1826
Date Created
1824/1829
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
Part of a letter sent to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding the purchase of wool and sale of cattle. 1 page.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning a loan. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, December 13, 1838
Date Created
1838-12-13
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning a loan. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding finances. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, December 20, 183[?]
Date Created
1830/1839
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding finances. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning the manufacture of leather. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, December 24-25, 1832
Date Created
1832-12-24
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown concerning the manufacture of leather. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding land purchases. 2 pages.
John Brown Collection
Correspondence, John Brown to Seth Thompson, December 30, 1836
Date Created
1836-12-30
Author
Brown, John, 1800-1859
Description
A letter to Seth Thompson from John Brown regarding land purchases. 2 pages.
Subject
Abolitionists, Commerce
Collection
John Brown Collection