John Brown & the Secret Six Archive: Twelve Signed Items, Fantastic History

A twelve-piece archive relating to John Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry and all those involved, as well as a copy of "The Secret Six: The True Tale of the Men Who Conspired with John Brown" by Edward J. Renehan, Jr. The lot contains several clipped signatures, letters, and documents, with one clipped signature from John Brown himself. Dating from ca. 1839 to 1893, the lot also includes the signatures of John Avis, Fontaine Beckham, Israel Russell, George L. Stearns, Thomas W. Higginson, Theodore Parker, Samuel G. Howe, Gerrit Smith, John Brown Jr., Franklin B. Sanborn, Wendell Phillips, and John Ritchie. The group has been beautifully displayed in a 3-ring binder, with biographical information for each signer. All of the pieces have varying degrees of toning, soiling, dampstaining, and wear, with some flattened folds and minor loss or chipping in places. Please refer to the photographs for further condition information. The accompanying book is in very good condition. A remarkable archive for any Civil War, John Brown, or abolitionist enthusiast!

Includes:
1. John Brown Clipped Signature, "Yours Truly John Brown."
2. John Avis Signed Pass, "John Avis". Staunton, Virginia, dated October 27, 1862. A signed pass for a soldier to go to Westchester. Avis was John Brown's jailor at Harper's Ferry.
3. Fontaine Beckham Signed Court Summons, "F Beckham." Jefferson Co., Virginia, dated March 5, 1851. A summons for A. H. Schmidewindt for a debt owed. Beckham was killed during Brown's Raid.
4. Israel Russell Signed Court Summons, "Israel Russell." Jefferson Co., Virginia, dated October 2, 1854. A summons for George W. Berry for a debt owed. Russell was taken hostage during the raid.
5. George Luther Stearns Signed CDV, "Major Geo L Stearns Sept. 1863." Stearns was an abolitionist who was Brown's financial Backer. One of the "Secret Six."
6. Thomas W. Higginson Signed Card, "Thomas Wentworth Higginson Cambridge, Mass." Higginson was an abolitionist who may have helped organize Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry. One of the "Secret Six."
7. Theodore Parker Clipped Signature, "Theo. Parker." Parker was an abolitionist minister who supported slave revolts, women's rights, temperance, and prison reform. It is believed he organize Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry. One of the "Secret Six."
8. Samuel G. Howe ALS, "Sam. G. Howe." Boston, dated April 12, 1839. Addressed to Secretary of State, Josiah Sevens Jr., about discrepancies respecting the appropriations for the Institution for the Education of the Blind. Howe edited an anti-slavery periodical with his wife and aided the raid, but he fled to Canada afterwards and denied any prior knowledge. One of the "Secret Six."
9. Gerrit Smith ANS, "Gerrit Smith." New York, dated May 5, 1874. A short note, enclosing his autograph to the recipient. Smith was a wealthy New Yorker and aided numerous run-away slaves. It is believed he offered Brown financial and moral support. One of the "Secret Six."
10. Franklin B. Sanborn Endorsement on John Brown Jr. ALS, "F.B. Sanborn." Ohio, dated January 30, 1893. Brown wrote to Sanborn about the Delamater case, news from out west, the John Brown Fort Co., the World's Fair, etc. Sanborn endorses the last page with when the letter was received and with filing information. Sanborn supported Brown's mission, though he did not like the idea of the raid. Afterward he, too, fled to Canada. One of the "Secret Six."
11. Wendell Phillips ANS and CDV, "Wendell Phillips." N.p., dated June 1874. A short note addressed to Mr. Tridon, along with an attractive carte-de-visite. Phillips was an abolitionist, American reformer, and highly-praised orator.
12. John Ritchie ALS, "Jno Ritchie." Washington, D.C., dated March 13, 1871. Addressed to a fellow politician, providing biographical information on himself for the Directory circular. Ritchie was ordered to the scene of Brown's Raid at Harper's Ferry by President Buchanan. He later became a Congressman for Maryland, serving from 1871-1873.

We’ve done our best, but there could be secretarial or facsimile signatures found within this sizable collection.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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