Boston Oct 27, 1846

Dear Bradburn,

     I have delayed writing to you only because I had nothing interesting to communicate more than was contained in the papers I have sent you. Those papers have in informed you of the death of Rogers on the 16^th. The Herald of Freedom, which I saw yesterday, has a long article by French, giving he particulars of his sickness and death. It seems that he had his reason perfectly to the last. I have no doubt he was able to hear your letter read, and I am glad, for his sake, for yours and mine that he was able. As he appears to have valued so highly the affection of his friends, I should have felt grieved at the thought of his having left the world without any evidence of our remembrance of him during his long sickness. I asked Leavitt if he could spare his Herald of Freedom to be sent to you—he said he could not—he had some portions of French’s article marked, probably with the intention of inserting them in the Emancipator. I wish I could find a copy of the Herald for you—but I probably shall not be able to do so. French calls Rogers his “murdered friend”—and says that in his estimation Mrs. Chapman, Quincy and Garrison are worse than the murderers of Lovejoy and Terrey[?]. I was sorry to see such remarks—although I can readily excuse French for making them. Less violent ones would have been equally effective, and more appropriate under the circumstances. I imagine there is some sting of remorse pricking the hearts of Rogers’ enemies—Quincy merely noticed his death, in the last Liberator, without a word of comment. Leach, my landlord, said, before Rogers’s death, that Parker Pillsbury “felt very bad.”

     The Herald gives a copy of an affectionate note from Lewis Tappan to Rogers, received a few days before his death, and enclosing $10. I was glad to see it. It makes me think better of Tappan—a man whom I had not very much admired.

     The Herald is to be united with the Pioneer.

     I hope you will receive the Whig, which I have mailed for you today—It contains a letter—a most pungent one—from Charles Sumner to Robert E. Winthrop—also a call for a meeting to nominate a man for Congress opposed to the war. The Atlas Whig’s have renominated Winthrop. The news from Ohio has, I think, greatly elated the “conscience Whig’s.” And it (election) is indeed a most notable proof of the progress of public sentiment.

     Palfrey[?] is nominated for Congress in Middlesex, and will, I presume, be chosen.

     Hildreth’s family are well, and Mrs. Sargeant—Mrs. Sargeant propses to go to Athol this week—to spend some time I believe.

     I shall probably go to Athol in a few days—for the reason that I have exhausted my resources here. I fear I shall have to suspend my writing for the present. I greatly regret being obliged to stop now—but I must have something to eat. If I can find the means of living at Athol, I shall probably continue my writing there—but it is hardly probable that I shall be able to do so. It seems too bad that one who is willing to work for mankind should be unable to get bread—but that fact only proves the greater necessity of his working for them.

     When you write, direct to Athol, if you please. I shall more probably be there than here. Write me soon. If I remain in Boston, I will endeavor to keep you informed, by papers and letters, of what is going on here.

                                      Yours sincerely,  

                                      Lysander Spooner

Oct. 28—What is the amount of the accusation against Bebb for duplicity in regard to the Black laws? Is it true? If so, it will lessen somewhat my gratification at the Whig victor there—

     Just saw Mrs. Sargeant in the street. She sends her respects to you—would be glad to see youl

     I hope you will write something about Rogers.