Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-11-11
SPEECH BY BROWN.

Magistrates Court.
SPEECH BY BROWN.
CHARLEsTowN, va, Nov. 2. - Messrs.
Russell and Sennott, from Boston, reached
here to-day.
Cook was brought before the Magistrates
Court, and waived an examination.
Copies trial was resumed No witnesses
were allied for the defence.
Mr.. Harding opened for the Commonwealth.
Messrs. Hoyt and Griswold followed for the
defendant and Mr.. Hunter closed for the pro-
secuton. The speeches were of marked abil-
ity Mr.. Griswold asked for several instruc-
tions to the jury. which we're all granted by
the Court and the jury retired.
Brown was then brought in and the Court
House was Immediately thronged.
The Court gave his decision on the motion
for an arrest Of judgment, overriding the OBJ
lection that treason cannot be committed
against a State. He ruled that wherever al
legianco is due, treason may be committed
Most Of the States have passed laws against
treason. The objections as to the form Of the
verdict rendered, the Court also regarded as
insufficient
The Clerk then asked Mr. Brown whether
not be pronounced upon him.
Mr.. Brown Immediately rose, and in clear,
distinct voice, said
Il have, may /; please the Court, few
words to ray. In the first place, deny eve
rything but what have already admitted, of
a design on my part to free slaves. intend
ed, certainly, to have made clean thing of
that matter, as did last winter when went
ft,f, Ms.a,t,rf nd .lnro fo,l s1.,ao wit fhot,
the swapping of gun on either side, moving
them through the country, and finally leaving
them in Canada. desired to have done the
same thing again on larger scale. That was
all | intended l never did intend murder or
treason or the destruction of property, or to
excite or incite slaves TO rebellion, or to make
insurrection
have another objection, and that is, that
it is unjust that should suffer such penal
ty. Had | interfered in the manner--and
which ! admit has been fairly proved, for l
admire the truthfulness and candor of the
greater portion Of the witnesses who have tes-
titled in this case-had | so interfered in be-
half Of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent,
the so-called great, or in behalf of any of their
friends either father, mother, brother, sister,
wife, or children, or any of that class, and
suffered and sacrificed what have in this in
reference. it would have been all right. Ev-
cry man in this Court would have deemed it
an act worthy a reward rather than punish
ment.
This Court acknowledges, too, as | sup
pose, the validity Of the law of God. see a
book kissed which supposed to be the Bible,
or at least the New Testament, which teaches
me that all things whatsoever | would that
men should do to me, should do even so to
them. 1t teaches me further, to remember
them that are in bonds as bound with them.
| endeavorcd to act up to that instruction.
say | am too young to understand that God
is any respecter Of persons. | believe that,
to have intcrtered as have done, have
always freely admitted have done, in behalf
OF His despised poor, have done no wrong,
but right.
Now it is deemed necessary that should
forfeit my life for the furthcrance of the ends
of justice, and mingle my blood further with
the blood Of my children, and with the blood
of millions in this slave country whose rights
are disregarded by wicked, cruel and unjust
enactments say let it be done.
Let me say one word further; feel entire
ly satisfied with the treatment have received
on my trial. Considering all the circumstan-
ces, it has been more generous than | expect
ed, but | feel no consciousness of guilt
have stated from the first what was my inten-
ton, and what was not | never had any de-
sign against the liberty of any person, nor
any disposition to commit treason or excite
slaves to rebel or make any general insurrec-
ton. never encouraged any man to do so,
but always discouraged any idea OF that kind.
Let me say something, also, in regard to
the statements made by some Of those who
were connected with me- | hear that it has
been stated by some Of them that have in
duced them TO Join me, but the contrary IS
true. do not say this to injure them, but
as regarding their weakness. Not one but
Joined me of his own accord, and the greater
part at their own expense. A number of them
! never saw, and never had word of conyer-
sation with, till the day they came to me, and
that was for the purpose have stated. Now
l have done"
While Mr.. Brown was speaking, perfect
quiet prevailed, and when he had finished,
the judge proceeded to pronounce sentence
upon him.
! After a few preliminary remarks, the Judge
said that no reasonable doubt could exist of
the guilt of the prisoner, and sentenced him
to be hung in public, on Friday, the second
day of December next.
Mr.. Brown received his sentence with COM
posure. The only demonstration made was
by the clapping of the hands of one man in
the crowd, who is not resident of Jefferson
county. This was promptly suppressed, and
much regret is expressed by the citizens at
its occurrence.
After being out an hour, the jury came in
with a verdict that Coppie was guilty on all
the counts in the indictment. His counsel
gave notice of motion for arrest of judg-
ment m in Mr.. Rrowr'- rasr