Brown, John

1 ½ pages (8 x 5 in.; 202 x 126 mm) on a single sheet of paper, Topeka, 16 November 1857, to George L. Stearns at Boston, reception docket on verso; lightly creased.

1 ½ pages (8 x 5 in.; 202 x 126 mm) on a single sheet of paper, Topeka, 16 November 1857, to George L. Stearns at Boston, reception docket on verso; lightly creased.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Funding John Brown's radical abolition. Addressing Stearns, one of the "Secret Six" as "Dear Friend," Brown sends a detailed report from "Bleeding Kansas": "I have now been in Kansas for more than a Week: & for about Two days with Mr Whitman, & other friends at Lawrence. I find matter's quite unsettled; but am decidedly of the opinion that there will be no use for the Arms or Ammunition here before another Spring. I have them all safe & together unbroken: & mean to keep them so: until I can see how the matter will be finally terminated. I have many calls uppon me for their distribution: but shall do no such thing until I am satisfied that they are really needed. I mean to be busily; but very quietly engaged in perfecting my arrangements during the Winter. Whether the troubles in Kansas will continue or not; will probably depend on the Action of Congress the coming Winter. Mr. Whitman has paid me $500. for you which will meet present wants as I am keeping only a small family. before getting your letter saying to me not to draw on you for the $7000. (by Mr. Whitman) I had fully determined not to do it unless driven to the last extremity. I did not mean that the secret service money I asked for should come out of you & hope it may not, Please make this hasty line answer for friend Sanborn; & for other friends for this time. May God bless you all. …"

Brown's prescient—and somewhat chilling—postscript states, "If I do not use the Arms & Ammunition in actual service; I intend to restore then unharmed: but you must not flatter yourself on that score too soon.." The postscript is signed "Yours in Truth."