The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-11-05
Trial of ihs Harpsr.'. Ferry Prisoners.
CHARLEsTowE, VA, Oct. 25.

CHARLESTOWN, VA, Oct. 70.
Mr.. Harding addressed Mr.. Brown, and
asked him if he was willing to accept
Messrs. Faulkner and Bolts as counsel.
Brown replied: 1 wish to say that l have
sent for counsel. l did apply, through
the advice of some persons here, whose
names do not recollect, to act as coun-
sci for me, and have sent for other coun-
sci who have had NO possible opportunity
to see me. 1 wish for counsel if am
to have trial; but if only the mockery
of trial, as | said before, do not care
anything about counsel, and it is unneces-
sary to trouble any gentlemen with that
duty.
Harding-You are to have fair trial.
Brown-There were certain men, /
think Mr. Bolts was one OF them, who
declined acting as counsel; but I am
not positive about it, and cannot reinem-
ber whether he was one because | have
heard so many names. am a stranger
here. / do not know the disposition or
character Of the gentlemen named. l
have applied for counsel of my own, and
doubtless could have them, if am not, as
l said before, to be hurried to the execu-
ton before they can reach here; but if
that is the disposition that is to be made
of me, all this trouble and expense can be
saved.
Harding-The question is, do you de-
sire the aid of Messrs. Faulkner and Bolts
as your counsel. Please answer yes or
no.
Brown-I cannot regard this as an
examination under any circumstances. /
would prefer that they should exercise
their own pleasure. l feel as if it was
matter of very little account to me.
If they had designed to assist me as
my counsel, should have wanted an
opportunity to consult them at my lei
sure.
Harding to Stevens-Are you willing
those gentlemen should act as your coun-
sell?
Stevens--f am willing that gentleman
should, (pointing to Mr.. Bolts.
Harding-Do you object to Mr.. Faulk-
ner?
Stevens-No. 1 am willing to take
both.
Mr.. Harding addressed each of the
other prisoners separately, and each stated
his willingness to be defended by the
counsel named.
The court issued a prompt order that
the press should not publish the detailed
testimony, as it would render the getting
of jury before the Circuit Court impos-
sible.
Lewis Washington stated, that about
one O'Clock, on Sunday night, he was
aroused from his sleep by noise. Hear
ing his name called, he went down stairs,
and was surrounded by six men. Ste
vens appeared in command. Cook,
Coppie and two negro prisoners were
along, and another white man, whom he
afterwards Recognized as Kagi. Wash
ington then proceeded to detail all the
particulars of his being taken prisoner,
with his negroes, to the armory, and
subsequent events, up to the attack by
the marines and his deliyerance from
prison.
A Mr. Kettzmillen gives the particulars
of his being taken prisoner and locked
up; he subsequently had several inter-
views with Brown. who treated him with
q great deal of respect and courtesy. He
endeavored to ascertain from Brown what
object he had in view, and he repeatedly
told him his object was to free slaves, and
he was willing to fight pro slavery men to
accomplish that object. On one occasion,
during the attack, l said to Brown, this is
going to be hot work and if you will
allow me to interfere, l can possibly ac-
commodate matters. He went out with
Stevens, with Rag of truce on Monday
afternoon. He requested Stevens, to
remain while he went forward, when Ste
vens was fred Oh and fell. Recognized
only Brown and Stevens. | counted
twenty-five men early in the morning
armed with Sharp's rifles. When Stevens
was lying wounded he remarked to me, l
have been cruelty deceived.
Mr.. Washington recalled and said that
in conversation with Gov. Wise, Brown
was told he need not answer questions
unless he chose; that Brown replied he
had nothing to conceal, no favors to ask,
that he had arms enough for five thousand
if wanted.
Armistead Ball declared particulars of
his arrest by insurgents; had an interview
after my arrest, with Brown, who stated
he had come for no child's play. That his
object was not to make war against the
people. His object was to place U. s.
arms in the hands of the black men and
proposed to free all the slaves in Virginia
He repeatedly said his whole object was to
release slaves. l asked him if some plan
! could not be arranged for the liberation OF
myself and prisoners. He said we could
only be released by furnishing able bodied
slaves in our places. l recognized Ste
vens, Green and Brown. Capt. Brown
told the prisoners when the charge of the
marines was about being made, that though
he die not intend to injure them himself,
that they equally should occupy the post
of danger with himself; that if they were
not ar-bought to their fellow-citizens To
accept the terms he had proposed to secure
their safety. they must be barbarians.-
Coppie on the other hand told himself
and friends to get behind the engines, that
he did not wish to see any of them in
jured. Did not old Capt. Brown fire once
from the engine house? Does not think
he fired once. Green fred several times,
the prisoners never were unreasonably
exposed.
CHARLEsTowN, Va, Oct. &c.
Brown has made no confession, but on
the contrary says that he has full conf
dence in the goodness of God, and that he
is confident he will rescue him from the
perils that surround him. He says that