Benjamin S. Lyman., 01/08/1856-01/08/1856

File — Box: 3, Folder: 30

Identifier: 68063

Series-level Scope and Content Note

From the Series:

Please note that correspondents often mention acquaintances or other individuals but will not provide their complete names. When known, the full name is given in parentheses. Also, in the case of the Clarke family, one A.K. Clark signs her name without the 'e' although it is likely that she is a member of the Clarke family. She also cites (her husband?) inconsistently as 'Mr. Clark' or 'Mr. Clarke.' Descriptions for each letter will use the spelling that the correspondent has used.

Dates

01/08/1856-01/08/1856

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.3 Linear Feet (3 Hollinger Document Cases)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Container Summary

ALS (dated 1/8/1856, with envelope) to Franklin B. Sanborn from Benjamin S. Lyman, thanking Sanborn for facilitating the transmission of employment recommendation letters. Reference to job prospects as a teacher in New York. Also refers to the situation in Kansas relating to the abolition movement: "...You ask if I would take a rifle and go to Kansas in case of need? I would most willingly, only that I should have to steal the rifle in the first place, I fear. I had thought a little of this matter before you mentioned it, and have since heard more about the troubles in Kansas. If there was a chance of doing something more than merely rifle shooting, as well as that, if there was need, I think it would be really worthwhile for one to spend the next six months there. It would be as improving to my health as engineering (unless I were shot), and would be, perhaps more improving mentally. It would be exciting to live there at this time, and one would feel as if he were doing an honorable action in going there..." Reference also to Samuel Clarke Pomeroy (1816-1891), senator and advocate of the Kansas free state: "...Gen. Pomeroy is to be in this neighborhood, if not at this house, this week, and I shall ask him about the (Kansas) matter. I am very well situated to do such a thing; for I am not yet bound down to any trade or profession, and the new ideas and facts that I should become acquainted with would be instructive and amusing no doubt. After one more invasion from Missouri, they expect quiet, and there would, therefore, be no great object in my remaining there more than a few months. As I am not of age, legally I should not be on the same footing with others in respect to getting land. As for being shot in a good cause, I believe we agree perfectly about that..."

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

LYMAN, BENJAMIN S. - CORRES. TO SANBORN, FRANKLIN B. 1856 (01/08): Autographed Letter

POMEROY, SAMUEL CLARKE & KANSAS FREE STATE - REFERENCE BY LYMAN, B.S.: Autographed Letter

ABOLITION (KANSAS) - REFERENCE BY LYMAN, BENJAMIN S. 1856: Autographed Letter