Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-12-08
The Execution of John Brown.

Is understood that he has written long letter,
which will find itsway to the newspapers short.
ly Brown refused any interview with the Vir-
GINA clergymen, us he was not willing to ad-
NIT their claims in favor Of Slavery
Brown S wife visited him on Thursday, and
their interview was calm and bnsiness-like, and
lasted from four, P, NJ to eight in the eve
ming.
A carriage was brought to the door, the mil
iary took possession of the square, and, with
nm escort OF twenty mounted men, the cortcge
moved off, Capt Moore of the Montgomery
Guards, accompanying her.
The interview was not very affecting one,
rather of practical character, with regard to
tie future Of herself and children, and the ar.
rangement and settlement of business affairs
They seemed considerably affected when they
first met, and Mrs. Brown was, for few mo-
.lents, quite overcome, but Brown was as firm
as rock, and she soon recovered her compo-
sure.
A strict watch was kept over them during the
time they were together. At the time of sepa
ration they both seemed to be fully self-possess-
4 ed. and the parting, especially on his part, ex-
hibited composure, either felgned or real, that
was surprising
4 learn from Capt. Moore that she rather re-
\ PEELED all attempts on his part to express sym
y pathy with her under her Affections. She re-
sented the idea that Capt. Brown had done any
thing to deserve death or to stain his name
with dishoaer, and declared that the ignomine-
GUS character of the punishment that was about
to be afflicted upon him was as cruel as it was
unjust. She regarded him as martyr in
righteous cause, and was proud to be the wife
oil sucA Il man. The gallows, she said had no
terrors fDr her or for him. She stated that she
had not seen him since last June, about six
months ago. and that they had been separated,
with the exception of a few days. for nearly two
years They had, however, correspondent, and
she had always felt deep interest in the cause
in which he was engaged.
The interview took place in the parlor OF
4 Capt, Avis, and the prisoner was free from man
acles Of any kind. They sat side by side on
sofa, and, after discussing family matters, pro,
coed ID to business. He stated that he desired
his property to pass entirely into her possession,
and appeared to place full confidence in her abll-
ty to manage 1t properly for the benefit OF his
younger children. He requested her to remain
at North Elba, New York, on her farm, where
She now resides, and which belongs to her. He
desired that his younger children should be ed
ucatel, and if she could not obtain facilities for
their education at home, to have them sent to
boarding-school.
He then gave directions and dictated to Sheriff
Campbell will, which directed that all his
property should 90 to his wife, with the excep-
ton of few presents and requests which he
made.
The prisoner said that he contemplated his
death with composure and calmness 1t would
undoubtedly be pleasant to live longer but, as it
was the will of God he should close his career,
he was content 1t was doubtless best that he
should be thus legally murdered, for the good OF
the cause, and he was prepared to submit to his
fate without murmur.
With regard to his execution, he said that he
desired no religious ceremonies, eith~r in the
Jail or on the scaffold, from ministers who con-
sent or approve of the ensavement OF their fel
low creatures-that he would prefer rather to
be accompanied to the scaffold by dozen slave
children and q good old slave mother, with their
appeal to God for blessings on his soul, than all
the eloquence of the whole clergy of the Com
monwealth combined
w. = During the past week, several letters, contain
ing checks and drafts had been forwarded to him
BY his friends in different sections of the coun
try. These he endorsed, and made payable to
his wife, Mary A. Brown. One OF them was
for 800, and one for $50, and he handed them
to her.
FRIDAYS PROCEEDINGS.
The prisoner was brought out of Jail at II
o'clock Before leaving, he bid adieu to all his
fellow-prsoners, and was very afectionate to all
except Cook. He charged Cook with having
deceived and msled him in relation to the sup
port he was to receive from the slaves. lie was
led to believe that they were ripe for insurroc'
IL. ,toti
were false.
The prisoner then told the sheriff he was
ready. His arms were pinioned, and with d
black SLOUGH hat on, and the same clothes hi
wore during the trial, he proceeded to the door
apparently calm and cheerful
As he came out, the six companies of infantry
and one troop of Horse, with Gen. Taaferrc
and his entire staff were deployng in front o
the Jail, whilst an open wagon, with pine boz
in which was fine oak coffin, was awaiting FOL
him.
He looked around and spoke to several persons
he recognised, and walking down the steps tool
seat on the cofin-box along with the jaor
Avis.
He looked with interest on the fine military
display. but made no remark. The wagon NOV
ed off, aanked by two files of riaemen IN clos
order
On reaching the field, the military had alread.
full possession.
Pickets were stationed, and the citizens KEEP
back at the point Of the bayonet from taking
any position but that assigned them.
Through the determined persistence, the order
excluding the press, was partially rescinded, ant
they were assigned position near the Majo
General Staff.
The prisoner walked up the steps firmly, an
was the first man on the scafold. Avis an
Sheriff Campbell stood by his side, and afte
shaking hailuo aud bidding an afectionate adieu
he thanked them for their kindness.
The cap was then put on his face and the rop
around his neck.
Avis asked him to step forward on the trap
lie replied, 'You must lead mel cannot see.
The rope was adjusted, and the military orde
given Not ready yet
The soldiers marched, countermarched, an
took position as if an enemy were in sight, an
were thus occupied nearly ten minutes.
The prisoner, standing all the time, Avis er
CURED if he was not tired. Brown said, "NC
not tred-but don't keep me waiting longc
than necessary"
He mas swung off at Is minutes past IL.
slight graspng of the hands and twitchin
of the muscles was seen, anu then all wa
quiet.
The body was several times examined, an
the pulse did not cease until 35 minutes ha
passed
The body was then cut down, placed in co
nm ana conveyed, under military escort, to til
depot, where it was put in a Car, to be carrie
TO the Ferry by special train at o clock.
All the arrangements were carried out with
precision and military strctncss that was mo
annoying.
The general conviction everywhere entertain,
WIS that the excitement about tho rescue was 8
egregous hoax.