BROWN, John (1800-1859). Autograph document signed ("John Brown of the firm of Perkins & Brown"), for Judge C. McIntosh. Springfield, MA, 5 June 1850.

1p., dated twice, folio, docketed verso, spotting and creasing, separations to folds affecting a few words. An affidavit regarding the grading of wool.

Abolitionist John Brown attempted several business ventures before committing himself to the anti-slavery cause. With Simon Perkins, he established a commission house in Springfield, Massachusetts, which acted as agent for sheep farmers selling their wool to New England manufacturers. By 1850, the business had foundered. He attests: "I have had very frequent occasion during the years 1847 & 1848 & 1849 to go over the wool graded by Nelson Flint & to change the grading very considerably...because he allowed other motives & feelings than such as should have governed him to controll [sic] his judgements."

He further writes regarding a suit filed by Henry Warren against Hiram Harrington and William McKie regarding how Perkins & Brown would testify if called upon: "McKie did in my hearing & presence endeavour to get those men Mr. Middleton & Mr. Schleringen to tell a very different story from that which they had of their own accord stated to him in my presence previously, the impropriety of which course I noticed particularly at the time."

[With:] A leather wallet, and four banknotes, comprising: $5 Franklin County Bank; $5 Confederate bill; $50 Confederate bill; $50 Facsimile Confederate bill. All accompanied by a handwritten note, ca 1944, indicating the affidavit was found folded into the wallet with the accompanying banknotes.