Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-12-03
LATEST FROM CHARLESTOwN.
TIoTItSpoHdtHcs q fht 8dIfiNaoTt Inifricdh.
CHARLEsrowS, Dec. l, 1859

CHARLEsrowS, Dec. l. 1859.
ARREST or SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS.
There have been four since Yesterday morning
os suspicious characters One ofthem brought her,
this morning from Winchester, aud said that h,
Copies brother, and Others that he was n son Of
John Brown. He was not, however identified, aud
not taken before the prisoners the wish OF those
who arrested him. Without, therefore, ascerianing who
he really was, he sent back Winchester and or
dcred TO be detained in jail there, for the present As
usual in such cases. the greater variety of rumors were
in circulation in reference him. Some said he con-
feSsed that he Browns son. and that he one
four hundred armed men congregatng for the rescue
whilst others saw striking likeness between him and
Coppic.
PREPARING FOR THE EXECUTION.
The prisoners are, by orders from headquarters shut
out from all interruption by visitors aud Captain Brown
is sand to spend his entire time in writing letters his
finnds in which, it is presumed, he will embody his last
words.
Sheriff Campbell informs me that Captain Brown ad.
m his participation in the Kansas massacre charged
upon him by the Herald of Freedom, but offers various
excuses and paatons for his conduct The feeling pro-
duced against him by Mrs Doyes letter the charge
numbering her husband and two sons, not being denied
by him, Is most Intense He is longer admired for
his truhfulness and bravery but is regarded as
hardened and unprnciped hypocrite lie is understood
10 be endeavorng to explain in the letters and statements
he is writing the motives that governed him in his Kansas
work.
CLOSING ARRANGEMENTS
The military arrangements for to-day are of the most
stringent character aud those who in the
remain until after the execution whilst those who are
out must stay out until Saturday morning The is
in thorough military possession and brass buttons claim
full possession over those of less lustre.
The train from Harpers Ferry is be allowed to
stop at Charesiown to-day, and all who start must go
through to Winchester.
The prisoner learnt spent a quiet night and to all
outward appearances seems less cheerful but quite
signed lie refuses receive any spiritual advice hav
ing first sounded all who call on him their views on
slavery Receiving that they do not consider
sayeholdinE a sin he dismsses them with promise to
pray for them, assuring them that they need his prayers
more than he needs theirs.
stevens has greatly improved, and suffers but
little iIom his wounds Cook have less nerve
and personal bravery than any of the party.
THE ENEcUriON-BoDY PRISONER
learn that order for the execution will be issued this
morning and that Brown desires to be attended the
line viii be the Sheriff, Jllor and Surgeon The near
est line Of military will be hundred feet from the
scafOld and the other line hundred feet outside OF
which the civic spectators will be allowed.
Captain Brown yesterday presented his sword 10 Col
Baylor, and his Bible, with passages marked
TO Mr. Blessing, of hi guards, testimonial of the
kindness received from him.
OTHER ISCpESrs.
number Of letters addressed john Brown came 10
hand yesterday. One OF them, from Ohio stated that
that fifteen hundred had pledged themselves TO the
work No credeuce Is given the letter. 1t is I'M
doubedly mere hoax. the writer must have known
that the letter would fall into the hands of the State
thortics.
Numerous reports Of guns were heard last night scnti.
nels being, usual extremely vicilant. number OF
drunken brought into the guard house during
the day and night but discharged in short time
learn this morning that Brown, who has heretofore
borne up with such remarkable GOODNESS has last fallen
considerably in his spirits and looks on his APP
preaching end with less cOmposure.