John Brown to Franklin Sanborn
Peterboro, New York, February 24, 1858

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“Certain the cause is enough to live for if not to [blank] for . . . God has honored but comparatively a very small part of mankind with any possible chance for such mighty & soul satisfying rewards . . .”

Brown, John (1800–1859).  American abolitionist.  

Exhibited: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Long Road to Freedom, December 8, 2006 – April 29, 2007.

Autograph Letter Signed (John Brown), 5 1/4 x 8 inches, 2pp, Peterboro, New York, February 24, 1858.  Addressed to Franklin Sanborn.  Penned two days after revealing his plan to raid a federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry and spark a major slave rebellion.  Brown eloquently asks Franklin Sanborn—a member of the Secret Six, who financed the abolitionist’s raids—to “make a common cause with [him]” and join in his plan to seize Harper’s Ferry.  Brown also foreshadows the ultimate price he would pay for this deed; intentionally omitting the word “die,” Brown adds, “I expect nothing but to ‘endure hardness’s: but I expect to effect a mighty conquest even though it be like the last victory of Samson.” 
Click here for the complete transcript.

Complete Transcript:

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 1/2 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 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 

Provenance 
Oliver Barrett Collection
Henry Luhrs Collection.