BROWN, JOHN, JR. (1821-95) Eldest child of noted Abolitionist John Brown; Civil War Union Captain – 7th Kansas Infantry, Jennison’s Jayhawkers

Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed - from Leavenworth, Kansas

Autograph Letter Signed, 5 ¼” x 8 ¼”.  From Leavenworth, Kansas, the vicinity of his father’s actions at the Pottawatomie Massacre and the Battles of Osawatomie and Black Jack in 1856 “Bleeding Kansas,” Brown conveys details of his return home to his wife in Ohio.  Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, imprinted “R. Stevenson, Photographic ARTIST, 40 Delaware Street, Leavenworth, Kansas”; addressed by Brown, to “Mrs. Wealthy C. Brown, Jefferson, Ashtabula Co[unty], Ohio, Box 125,” with a three-cent U.S. postage stamp and a June 6, 1862, Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory postmark at the upper right corner.

“Leavenworth City Kansas, Thursday, June 5 1862.    

My Loved Wife,

I have this moment got yours of the 28^th.  All in a hurry this morning as a Boat for St. Louis has just come and is off in a few minutes.

It will take me about five days to Chicago including one Sunday – say two days there then, one perhaps at Cleveland when I will be home as fast as I can.  Every thing is waiting and I must say good bye. 

Your own, John.”

Lightly and evenly toned, with a few minor stains and smearing of ink to several characters; chipping at the upper right corner and at the edge of the lower of two horizontal folds detracts very little.  The envelope has the expected wear at the edge and the right edge has been torn somewhat irregularly in opening.