“If our dear father (as well as brothers) are to be sacrificed to the God of Slavery, we shall not believe they have died in vain.” - Ruth Thompson, daughter of John Brown

Historic, unpublished letter written by Ruth Thompson, daughter of John Brown, asking for help in obtaining his body for proper burial. Dated November 29th, 1859, this two-page letter was penned to Elisha G. Otis, a businessman best known today for inventing a safety device attached to elevators (“Otis Elevators)”. Likely in response to this Ruth’s plea for help, Otis went to Charlestown, Virginia on December 2nd, the day before Brown’s hanging, but was arrested on suspicion of being a spy. Otis claimed to Charlestown authorities he had arrived in the city just because he was curious to see the hanging, but this letter seems to prove otherwise. Otis’ arrest and subsequent confinement were well-publicized in period newspapers.

Full transcript reads:

North Elba Essex County New York November 29, 1859

Mr. [Elisha G.] Otis dear friend,

Your most excellent letter is just received we all thank you sincerely for your generous offer to intercede for us, in getting our dear father's body. We all feel very anxious to have him buried here, but I am afraid it is too late, but hope for the best. Will you not please to telegraph to Governor Wise to grant our request? Mother is in Philadelphia at present and as I know she would approve of the course, I have taken the liberty to write for her, as whatever is done must be done quickly. If our dear father (as well as brothers) are to be sacrificed to the God of Slavery, we shall not believe they have died in vain. We see that a great many attribute fathers course to a spirit of revenge, but it is utterly false. He was actuated by a noble, generous, feeling which has been growing in his breast for more than 20 years. We shall be glad to hear from you again. And be assured that you receive the sincere gratitude of all in our deep affliction, for who could be more kind and generous.

Sincerely your friend,
Ruth B. Thompson

Professionally framed in double-sided glass, which is hinged to a larger frame housing photo of Brown and an engraved plate that bears the text of the letter.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Abolitionist, Slave, Slavery, Emancipation Proclamation, 13th Amendment, Civil Rights, Abraham Lincoln]