The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-10-24
The Insurgcnts at Harper's Ferry.

The Insurgents at Harper's Ferry.
On Thursday last, Captain ossawatamie
Brown and his Lieutenant Stephens, both of
whom are severely wounded and in prison
at Harper's Ferry, underwent long inter-
rogation by Gov. Wise and Senator Mason,
Of Virginia, and others, in the presence OF
large company, among whom were several
newspaper reporters. The examination is
reported at full length, but nothing of great
importance was elected from either of the
prisoners. The correspondent of the Gin
cinnati Gazette gives the following account
of the appearance and conduct of the infatu-
ated men: l
During the conversation, Brown betrayed
not one sign of weakness. In the midst OF
enemies whose homes he had invaded
wounded and prisoner, surrounded by
small army of officials, and a more despe-
rate array of angry men, with the gallows
staring him full in the face, he lay on the
floor, and in reply to every inquiry, gave
an answer that betokened the spirit that an
mated him. The language of Governor
Wise we'll expresses his holiness. Said the
Governor, He is the gamest man ever
saw l believe the worthy Executive had
hardly expected to see man act thus in
such trying moment.
Stephens is fine looking man, his hair
and long beard are black his face partakes
of the handsome and noble; his eye, though
restless, has sharp brilliancy. He is, like
his associate and commander, six feet in
height. The strong man, thus lying upon
the floor, showed himself obedient to the
last OF the commands of "My Captain" as
he called Brown. With three or four gun
shot wounds, two in the head and one in
the breast bone, certain of death, he showed
marvellous courage. Though ever and
anon grooming with excessive pain, he did
not one instant forget himself, but calmly
listened to the conversation.
AS the conversation progressed, Stephens
paid close attention, and once at least, cor
| rected a remark of Browns. Both men
seemed prepared for death, and seem even
! to court it under the idea, perhaps, that they
will be regarded as martyrs, but more prob
| ably under the conviction of having per-
| formed a sacred duty. However much the
writer may differ from them, there must
arise feeling of respect for their sincerity
which impelled them to their rash designs.
Senator Mason said to Brown, "IIow do
you justify your acts ?" He replied: al
think, my friend, you are guilty OF great
wrong against God and humanity. | say
that without wishing to be offensive. II
would be perfectly right for any one to in
terfere with you so far as to free those you
wilfully and wickedly hold in bonds. dc
not say this insultingly.
Mr.. Mason understand that.
Brown think | did right, and that
Others will do right who interfere with you
at any time and all times. | hold that tho
Golden Rule-Do unto others as YOU would
that others should do unto you, applies tc
all who would help others to gain their lib
erty.
To bystander who asked him how he
justified his conduct, D4Own replied-By the
Golden Rule. pity the poor in bondage
That is why am here. 1t is not to crafty
any personal animosity, or feeling of re
venge or of a vindictive spirit. 1t is my
sympathy with the oppressed and wronged
that are as good as you, and as precious in
the sight of God.
To the reporters of newspapers, Brown
said he wished it TO be understood that E"
claim to be here in carrying out n measur,
believe TO be perfectly justifiable, and no
to act part at all incendiary or ruffianly
but, on the contrary, TO aid those Suiferin,
under a great wrong. | wish To say, fur
thermore, that now, all you people of tn,
South mad better prepare yourselves for :
settlement of this question. 1t must com,
up for settlement sooner than You are pre-
pared for it; and the sooner you commence
that preparation, the better for you. Yol
may dispose of me very easy am nearl,
disposed of now-but this question Il meal
the end Of it, is not yet"