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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC06615 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1849 |
| Title | John Brown to Willis A. Hodges regarding the African American farming settlement at North Elba |
| Date | 22 January 1849 |
| Author | Brown, John (1800-1859) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Discusses arrangements at North Elba, and upcoming plans for this African American farming settlement. Says money is being raised to help the "infant colony," urges residents not to lay out plots yet, but instead cut wood. Also discusses the conduct of the residents, saying "Do not let any one forget the vast importance of sustaining the very best character for honesty, truth, industry, and faithfulness. I hope every one will be determined to not merely conduct as well as the whites; but to set them an example in all things." Brown planned on moving up to North Elba in the spring, and helping the black farming community being built there. Gerrit Smith had given away thousands of acres to free Northern blacks who wished to move to the Adirondacks and become independent farmers and land holders. Brown planned on moving into this community, called Timbucktoo, and assisting in its building. Though his family moved to North Elba, Brown's business plans complicated his situation, and he was never able to devote as much time to this project as he had hoped. Letter addressed to Hodges at Merrillville, a town near North Elba. Signed twice by Brown, once with initials. |
| Subjects | Immigration and Migration African American History Freemen Slavery Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Reform Movement |
| People | Brown, John (1800-1859) Hodges, Willis Augustus (1815-1890) |
| Place written | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Health & Medicine; Agriculture; African Americans; Slavery & Abolition |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |