Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1859-12-02
JOHN HHOWN, IN PRISON, TO HIS
Old SCHOOL MASTER.
HIS VIEWS OF DEATH AND RELIGIOUS HOPES.
LITTER FROM REv. L. W. BACON.

LITTER FROM NkNs l.. w, BACON.
TO ne Editors Of tie Tndependeat.
Ny aged friend, Rev. II. L. Va Of this place, remem
bers John Brown having been under his Instruction in
the year 1871 at Morris Academy He WASH gody youth,
ton, in the hope OF entering the ministry OF the Gospo
Since then the teacher aud pupil have met but once To-
had led them" But short time since Mr. Vail wrote TO
Brown in his prison letter Of Christian friendship to
which he has received the following heroic and sublime
Has ever such an episie been written from condemned
cell since the letter "to Tmotheus" when Paul "was
brought before Nero the second timer
have copied It faithfully from the autograph that lies
before me, without the change omission OF word
cpt to omit the full name Of the friends TO whom he sends
bis message.
The words in italics and capitals arc 50 uuderscored in
the original The handwriting Is clearand firm, but to-
ward the end Of the sheet to show that the sick old
mans hand growing weary The very characters make
an appeal to usfor our sympathy and prayers "iis sal
utation with his own hand. Remember his bonds"
Truly yours l.. W. BACON.
LitchHed, CT, November q, 1859.
LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DROWN IN PRISON.
CHAR1EsrowN, jefferson County, Va,
November IS, 1853. {
Rev.H. L. vaill-NIy Dear steadfast Frend Your most
Kind welcome letter Of the sh inst reached in due
am pery grateful for all the good feeling you express
and also for the kind cuuusels you give, together with
your prayers In my behalf ALLOW here say, notwih
standing "my soul is amongst ons, still believe that
God IN very decd is with me- You will not therefore,
feel surprised when tell you that am joyful ia All my
rbuiatons that do not feel condemned Of him whose
Judgment is just, nor Of my own conscience Nor do
feel degraded by my imprisonment, my chain, or prospect
ofthe galows. have not only been hosgh utterly un-
worthy permitted 10 suicr action with Gods people,"
but have also had great many rare opportunities for
preachiug gkieOHsHess in the great congregation"
trust it will all be lost The aier lin whose charge
am) and his family assistants, have all been most
kind and notwithstanding he was one Of the baves OF all
who fought me- he is H0 being abused for his humanity
So far my observation goes none but brare men are
likely to be humane 20 fallen foe. Cowards prove their
with but little risk
Iwsh could write you about few only ofthe interest
ing times here experience with different classes of men,
elergymea among others ChIist the great captain Of
iberfg well Of salvation aud who began his mission
me sword Of steel after had carried 1t for time; buthe
put another in my hand (the sword OF the Spirit and
pray God to make me faithful soldier, he may
send me- not less ON the scauod than when surroundedW by
my warmcst sympathiscrs.
My dear old friend do you have not forgotten
last meeting Retrospective look the
by which God had then led us bless his that
he has again enabled hear words of cheering
and comfort at time when l. at least am on the "brnk Of
Jordan, See Bunyans Pilgrim. God in induite mercy
giant another meeting tue opposite shore.
have often passed under the rod of him whom call my
vet have enjoyed much Of life as Twas enabled to dscov
the secret Of this somewhat early II has been in max
ing the prosperity and happiness Others that
really have had great deal Of prosperity am very
prosperous still; and looking forward 10 time when
peace on earth, and good VIII to men snail everywhere
prevail have no murmurng thoughts or envious feel
ings to fret my mind 'Iu praise my Maker with my
BREATH"
lam an unworthy nephew Of Deacon John, and loved
him much and in view Of the many choice friends have
had here am led the earnestly pray, "gather not
my soul with the uRrighte0Hs."
Your assurance of the earnest sympathy Of the friends
in my native land is very grateful to my feelings; and al
low me to say word Of comfort to them;
As AsIbeeve most firmly that God reigns cannot believe
that anything have done, suffered may yet suffer, WiH
be lost 10 The Of God Qf humanity And before
began my work at linrpers Ferry felt assured that in
the WOrst eueRt it would certainly often expressed
that belief andI possible to alter
mind. am not yet in the main, at all Disappointed
have been rood deal disappointed II regards myself
in not keeping up my plans; but now feel entirely
reconced to that even; for Gods plan infinitely bet
ter, doubt, or should have kept to my own Had
Samson kept TO his determination of not telling Deah
wherein his great strength lay would have probably
have overturned the house. did not tell Delah,
but induced to act very contrary to my better judy
eRt and have lost my eO noble boys and other friends
If not my to0 eBes.
But "God's will not mine be done" feel a comiorta
bic hope that like that errng servant Of whom just
been writing Imay Through infinite mercy in Christ
Jesus) yet ie in fdHh" As to both the time and man
ner of my deathI have but very little trouble that
scores and able to be (as you exhor of good cheer
send through you my best wishes to Mrs. W and
her George and to all dear friends May the God Of
the poor and oppressed be the God and Savior of you all
FAREWELL till we meet again.
Your friend in truth,
TOTtN