Dear Son, and other friends, all,

The letters of three of your numbers are received: dated on the 16th, by which we learn the difficulty you find in getting employ. It appears that all but three have managed to stop their board bills; and I do hope that the balance will follow the manlike, and noble example of patient perseverance; set them by the others instead of being either discouraged or “out of humor.”

The weather is so wet here that no work can be obtained. I have only received fifteen dollars as yet from the east; and such has been the effect of the course taken by F. on our eastern friends that I have some fears that we shall be compelled to delay further action for the present. They urge us to do so; promising liberal assistance after a while. I am in hourly expectation of help sufficient to pay off our bills here; and to take us on to Cleveland, to see and advise with you, which we shall do at once; when we get the means.

Suppose we do have to defer our direct efforts; shall great and noble deeds minds either indulge in useless complaints; or fold their arms in discouragement; or sit in idleness when at least we may avoid losing much ground? It is in time of difficulty that men show who they are. It is at such times that men mark themselves. “He that endureth unto the end shall be saved.” Are our difficulties sufficient to make us give up one of the noblest enterprises in which men were ever engaged? Write James M. Bell.

Your sincere Friend,

A letter written by John Brown to Owen and others in Cleveland, Ohio. Taken from the Boyd B. Stutler Collection located at 517 Main Street, Charleston, W.V.