Abolitionist John Brown Autograph Letter Signed Sells for 10k at NateDSanders.com
FREE APPRAISAL. To auction, buy, consign or sell a John Brown autograph, please contact [email protected] or call (310) 440-2982.
John Brown Autograph
A John Brown autograph can be worth as little as just over or under $1,000, but the John Brown autograph letter signed examples range from $3,000 and up. Here is a John Brown autograph letter signed that we sold for $10,000:
Abolitionist John Brown Autograph Letter Signed to Gerrit Smith, Brown’s Financier for the Raid at Harper’s Ferry — Brown Talks Money With Smith in 1857 — One of Few Letters Proving Financial Connection Between Brown & Smith
Historically important John Brown autograph letter signed, written to Gerrit Smith, one of the key financial backers of Brown’s attempt to seize the U.S. Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry. Dated 15 May 1857 from Peterborough, New Hampshire, Brown asks Smith to coordinate the transfer of money. In part: “When you have received for me the $1,000…from Boston, please deduct from the amount of what is then due you on Franklin P. and Saml. B. Thompson’s land contract; together with One Hundred and ten Dollars…for which you hold on my note; also $150…advanced by me to said Thom[p]sons; which $150…please retain for me; and at once advise said Thompsons at North Elba, Essex Co., N.Y., by letter, of the receipt of the money by you; and also remit to them the balance on receipt of their contract assigned to me. When you have received money and Contract as above: please give Warrantee Deed to Mrs Ruth Thompson (of North Elba; my Daughter) of the south half of the lot sold by you to the Thompsons.” In the late 1850’s, both John Brown and Gerrit Smith were impatient with the slow progress of abolitionism, prompting Smith to contribute $16,000 to purchase guns in Kansas for Brown’s infamous raid at Harper’s Ferry in 1859. After the raid failed, Smith denied his connections to Brown and burned many of their incriminating documents, making this a rare example of an extant letter from Brown to co-conspirator Smith specifically discussing money transfers. Single page measures 7.75″ x 12.75″. Penciled notations in the lower margin appear to be those of Smith and contain figures mentioned in Brown’s letter. Dark John Brown autograph. In very good condition with fold separations professionally repaired. Sold for $10,000.
To auction, buy, consign or sell a John Brown autograph, please contact [email protected] or call (310) 440-2982.