The life, trial and execution of Captain John Brown: known as "old Brown of Ossawatomie," with a full account of the attempted insurrrection at Harper's Ferry

              

 

 

 

 

 

         in a national institution but it does no good for the slave.” He thought it an 

         excuse very well adapted for weak men with tender consciences. Most men, who 

         were afraid to fight, and too honest to be silent, deceived themselves that they dis- 

         charged their duties to the slave by denouncing in fiery words the oppressor. His 

         ideas of duty were far different ; the slaves, in his eyes, were prisoners of war 

         their tyrants, he held, had taken up the sword, and must perish by it.” 

          The next time he appeared among men assembled in numbers was when Law- 

         rence was surrounded by Sheriff Jones’s posse comitatus, during the governorship of 

         Shannon, in the month of December, 1855. His eldest son, John, had command 

         of a large company of men, aiid he himself had charge of a dozen. He was dis- 

         satisfied with the conduct of Robinson and Lane, and predicted that their celebrated 

         treaty, with its diplomatic phraseology, would only postpone the discussion at arms, 

         which was inevitably and rapidly approaching. Lane sent for him to a Council of 

         War. “ Tell the General,” Brown said, “that when lie wants me to fight, to say 

         so ; but that is the only order I will obey." In disobedience to general orders, he 

         even went out of camp with his dozen men to meet his invaders—to “ draw a little 

         blood,” as he phrased it—but by the special messenger of Lane he was induced to 

         forego this intention and return. He always regretted doing so, and maintained 

         that if the conflict had been brought on at that time a great deal of bloodshed 

         would have been spared. 

          

          

                             HOW JOHN BROWN GOT MONEY. 

          

          Some of the papers are exceedingly anxious to know how Old Brown got nis 

         money, and from whom, and why. It has long been a matter of newspaper record. 

         The following appeal, which lie issued, was extensively printed at the time in the 

         prominent journals of the country 

          

           To the Friends of Freedom: The undersigned, whose individual means were 

         exceedingly limited when he first engaged in the struggle for liberty in Kansas, 

         being now still more destitute, and no less anxious than in times past to continue 

         his efforts to sustain that cause, is induced to make this earnest appeal to the 

         Friends of Freedom throughoat the United States, in the firm belief that his call 

         will not go unheeded. 

          “I ask all honest lovers of Liberty and Human Rights, both male and female, to 

         hold up my hands by contributions of pecuniary aid either as counties, cities, towns. 

         villages, societies, churches, or individuals. 

          “I will endeavor to make a judicious and faithful application of all such means 

         as I may be supplied with. Contributions may be sent in drafts to W. H. D. Calen- 

         der, Cashier State Bank, Hartford, Connecticut. It is my intention to visit, as many 

         places as I can, during my stay in the States, provided I am informed of the dispo- 

         sition of the inhabitants to aid me in my efforts, as well as to receive my visit 

         Information may be communicated to me (care of Massasoit House) at Springfield, 

         Massachusetts. Will the editors of newspapers, friendly to the cause, kindly second