Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-10-22

prosecuting general inquiries respecting the
events Of the last two days, II happened that
/ fell in with an old acquaintance Of the
New York reportoriAl corps From him
learned that Senator Mason, Of Virginia, Ex.
Member Of Congress Faulkner, OF Charleston
Va, and Hon. G. l.. Vallandigham of Ohio
were to have an interview with OssawatomiC
Brown. OF course, we determined on being
present, and carried our determination into
effect.
After some little delay we were introduced
into the room where Brown and Stephens
lay. We found the former to be a six-footer
although, las he lay, he looked some six inches
shorter. lie has bullet or Jack Sheppard
head, long grey hair, which at this time is
matted, the sabre-cut in his head having
caused the blood to flow freely, to the com
plete dishguratiOn Of his face. His hands
were begrimmed with dirt, evidently the
result Of continued exposure to the smoke o
powder; his eyes are Of pale blue, or per.
haps Ola light grey color, much such eyes as
those Of his brother tillibuster Walker.
During the conversation hereafter reported
he betrayed not one sign Of weakness. In
the midst ofenemies whose homes he had in
vaded, wounded and prisoner, surrounded
~
perAte array Of angry men, with the gallows
staring him iull in the face, he lay on the
floor, and in reply to every inquiry CAV an
answer that betokened the spirit that anima-
ted him. The language Of Governor Wise
well expresses his boldness. Said the Gov
ernor, ale is the gamest man I ever saw"
believe the worthy Executive had hardly
expected to see a man act thus in such try
ing moment.
Stephens is fine looking man. He is
the only one Of the party fprisoners who had
light hair; his beard is also light; his face
partakes of the handsome and noble; his eye,
though restless, has a sharp brilliancy. lie
is, like his associate and commander, six
feet in height The strong man, thus lying
upon the floor, showed himself obedient to
the last TO 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 mar
velous courage. Though ever and anon
groaning 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 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 proba-
bly, the conviction Of having performed sa-
cred duty. However much the writer may
differ from them, there must arise feeling
of respect for the sincerity which impelled
them TO their rash designs.
The parties present in the room during the
conversation were Senator Mason, Hons.
Faulkner and Yallandigham, DR.. Biggs, Lieut.
Stuart, 1st Cavalry, U, s. A., two New
York reporters, and the writer. A few other
persons came in at times to see what was
was going on.
THE CONVERSATION.
Senator Mason-How do you justify your
actsl
Brown-I think, my friend, you are guilty
Of great wrong against God and humanity.
/ say that without wishing to be offensive.
1t would be perfectly right for any one to in
terfere with you so far as to free those will
fully and wickedly held in bonds do not
say this insultingly.
Mr.. Mason--I understand that
Brown--I think | did right, and that
others will do right who interfere with you
at any time and all times. l hold that the
golden rule: Do unto others as you would
that others should do unto you, applies to all
who would help others to gain their liberty.
Lieutenant Stuart--But you don't believe
in the Bible.
Brown--CeFtainly l do.
Mr.. Vallandigham--Whe did your men
come from;d did some ofthem come from Ohio!
Brown-Some of them.
Mr.. V.-From the Western Reserye-of
course none came from Southern Ohiol
B.-0h, yes; | believe one came from be-
ow Steubenville, down not far from Wheel
ng.
Mr.. V.--Have you been in Ohio this sum-
ner!
B.--Yes, sir.
Mr.. V.--How late?
B.--I passed through to Pittsburgh on my
way here in June.
NJ. V.--Were you at any County or State
Fairs there's
B.--I was not there since June.
Mr.. Mason--Did yon consider this o
military organization on this paperl--show-
ng copy Of the so-called constitution and |
have not yet read it.
B.--l did in some measure. | wish you |
would give that paper your close attention.
Mr.. M.--Hou consider yourself the Conn
Of this provisional military
orcei
B.--I was chosen AgFeeably TO the ordi-
lance Of certain document, ,C0mmandeF-in- |
hief Of that force.
Mr. M.--WhAt wages did you ofTerl
B.---None.
Lieut.. Stuart--The wages Of sin Is death.
B.--I would not have made such re-
mark 10 you II you had been a prisoner, and |
in my hands.
A Bystander--Did you not promise a
Isgr0 in Gettysburg $20a MONTH
B,--I did not.
Bystander- He says you did.
Mr.. V.--Were you ever in Daytoni
B.--Yes, must have been.
Mr.. V.--This summer!
B.--No--a year OF two since.
Mr.. MasOn--DOes this talking annoy you
( all?
B.4-Noti In the least.
Mr.. V.--Heye you lived long in 0hiol
B.--I went there In 1906; lived In Sum-
lit county, which was then Trumbull
ounty; my native place. Is York State.
Mr., Xs--DO you recollect q man In Ohio,
amBd Brown, noted Ooanterieiterl
Bs-~t do; knew him from a boy; his "a
Der was Henry Brown, OF Irish or Scotch
nsesnt; the family was very low,
Mr. V.--fiaFe you ever been in Portage
s ~ wns there 10 Jnno last. 4