The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1859-11-09
From the Baltimore Sun.
The Harper's Ferry Insurgents.

Passed on Brown-hiS Speech to tie
Court.
CuAHLEsrowN, Nov. 2.-Mcssrs. Russell
and Seunet, from Boston, reached here
to day, to act as counsel for the prisoners.
Capt, Cook was brought before the
Magistrates Court to day, but waived an
examination, and WAS committed for trial.
Coppee's trial was resumed, but no
witnesses were called f,r the defence.
Mr.. Harding opened for the Common'
wealth, and Messrs. Hoyt and Griswold
followed for the defendant, when Mr..
Hunter closed for the prosecution. The
speeches Of all were marked by ability
Mr. Grisw old asked for several instruc'
tions to the jury, which were all granted
by the Court, when the jury retired.
Captain Brown was then brought in
and the coart house was Immediately
,hronged. The court gave its dicsion on
the motion TO. al arrest Of judgement,
overrulipg the objections made. In re-
gard to the objection that treason cannot
be committed against the State, the court
ruled that wherever allegiance is due
treas IN may be committed. Most Of the
States have passed laws against treason.
The objection as to the form of tho YER
dict rendered, the count also regarded as
Insufficient.
The clerk now asked the prisone, ii he
had anything to say why sentence should
not be pronounced against him.
Brown stood up, and in clear, dis
tirct voice, said ~ have, may it please
al, g., l., L., IL
first place, deny every thing but what
have all along admitted, of a design on
M part to free the slaves. intended
certainly 10 have made clean thing Of
that matter, as did last winter when
went into Missouri and there took slaves
without the swapping of a gun on either
side, moved them through the county
and finally left them in Canada. de
signed 70 have done the same thing on Il
larger scale. That WAS all Intended
| never did intend murder, or treason, or
the destruction OF property, or to nci,e
slaves to rebellion or TO make insurrec-
ton.
81 have another objection, and that it
is unjust that should suffer such A PEN
L
which admit, and which | admit has
been fairly proved-(for admire the
truth(uhess and candor of the greater
yor!ion OF the w;tliySses who tesiiiie,! ;a
this case)-had | so intertercd in behalf
OF the rich and powerful, the intelligent,
the SO called great, or in behalf of any OF
their friends, either father or mother,
l>r- ,l,
Of that class, and suffered and sacrificed
what have in this Interference, it would
have been albright, and every man in
this court would have deemed it an act
worthy Of reward ra.her than punish
meut.
This court acknowledges, too, as |
suppose, the validity of the law of God
I see book kissed here which suppose
t. be the Bible, or at least the New les
lament. That teaches me that all things
Whatsoever | would men should d iC
mo should do so even to them |
teaches me, further, 10 remember then
that are in bonds as bound with them -
| endeavored TO Act up to these instruc
tions. | say am yet too young to IN
sons. believe that TO have interhcred n
have done, and as have always treel,
admitted have done in behalf of Ills dc
spised poor, was no wrong, but right,
"Now. if it is deemed necessary that
should forfeit my life for the furhcranc,
of ends OF justice, and ming!e my bIool
further with the blood Of my children
and with the blood OF the millions in th
slave country, whose rights are disregar
ded by wicked, cruel and unjust enact
ments, | submit. SO let it be done lie
me say one word further. feel entrel'
satisfied with the treatment | have receiv
ed on my trIa. Considering all the cir
cunstances. it has been moro generou
than expected; but feel no conscious
what was my intentions, and what wa
not.
never had any design aSains, the liz
OF any person, nor any disposition to com
nit treason, or excite the slaves to rebe
or make any general insurrection. Inev
er encouraged any man to do so, but al
ways discouraged any idea of that kind
Loe ile say, dISO, vi IcSdTu W lne Sldle
ment made by some of those connecte
with me, fear it has been stated by som
of them that have induced them to joi
me. But the contrary is true. do no
say this to injure them, but as regrettin!
their weakness. There is not ore ofthen
but joined me on his own accord, and tn
greater part at their own expense. 4
number Of them never saw, and n,ve
had word of conversation with ill th
day they camo to me, and that was 70
the purpose have stated. Now hav
done =
While Brown was speaking perfec
quiet prevailed. When he had finished
the court proceeded 10 pronounce sen
snnce.
After some preliminary remarks, il
which the Judge said that no reasonable
doubt could exists as to the prisoners gull
the court sentenced him ito be hung il
public on Friday, December Cd"
Brown received the sentence with com