The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-10-31

with Brown during the night, ask him he was commit
ting treason against his country resisting the Marines
10 which Brown replied that he was the man then said
"pn fight longer;' that he though. be was merely
fighting TO berae the slaves after the attack was made
on the engine house, two Of Browns crsd quar-
ter and laid their arms but after marines burst
open the door, they picked them r again and renewed the
nght after the nrst attack Capt rown cried out
render but no was not heard not see him hre after
wards Coppce attempt 10 fire twice, but tho caps
ploded; witness saw Brown wouEded the hip by .
thrust from SABRE and sabre cuts on head
when tho latter wounds gwen Capt Brown appeared
TO be shielding himself with his head down. but making
no resistance the parties outside appeared 10 be firing
they pleased.
MAJOR INNS, master armorer sworn.-Witness was
one or the hostages Of Capt Brown conined in the en-
CINE house. before the general firing commenced Degota
tons pending for tho release Of the prisoners
paper drawn up embracing certain terms and borne
by Mr. Brua 70 the citizens outside; the terms not
agreed to; the last time Mr.. Brua out there
severe firing, which suppose prevented his return;
Browns went out with flag Of truce, aud shot,
he back wounded; the prisoner attended him and
gave him water heard Brown frequently complain THAI
the citizens had acted in barbarous manner he did
not appear TO have any malicious feeling be undoubtedly
seemed to expect reinorcements said would soon be
shoot nobody uness they carrying using
arms "H you do, let them have IT," This while tho
firing was going ON
Captain Brown here asked the witness whether he
any firing on his part which purely defensive
WnSpS-N might be considered in that light, perhaps;
the balls into the engine house pretty thick.
Question by CouSsEi-Did you not frequently 60 70 the
door Of the engine house9
WryEss-No, indeed. Naughter.)
general coloquy ensued between the prisoner lying
his COT and the witness to the part taken by the
prisoner in not unnecessarily exposing his hostages
danger No objection made to Browns asking these
questions in his way, and interposng verbal cxpla
nations relative toahis conduct
The witness generally corroboraed his OWE version Of
the circumstances attending tho attack the engine
house, but could not testify AL the incidents that he
enumerated. He did not hear him say that he surren
dered. Witness wife and daughter permitted to
visit him unmoested and free verbal communication
allowed with those outside. We treated kindly but
were compelled to stay where We did not want to be
Brown appeared anxious to effect compromise.
SAMUEL SNYDER, sworn-Ths witness proceeded 70 de-
tail the whole circumstances Of the two days. with what
he saw what he thought and what he heard. Nothing
new elected. He confirmed the statement Of the
other witnesses that Brown cndeavored TO protect his
hostages and constantly said that he wished to make
terms more for their safety than his own.
Mr. HoyT, at half past O'Clock, complained Of in
disposition from the heat of the room and asked that The
usual recess for dinner be taken.
The court then adjourned for one hour
AFTERNOON SESSION.
At halfpas two O'Clock the court reassembIed and Mr.
Grswold taking his seat by the side Of the prisoner pre-
pared to question the Witnesses and 10 receive from him
such suggestions in the Of the examination he
had to make.
Capt. SIM, commander Of volunteer company of Ere
derrick, Md, sworn:The report TO Frederick
that seven hundred and fifty blacks and aboluonss com
bined had seized Harper's Ferry; witness started
for the Ferry with the volunteers under COM
mand of Colonel shriyer, and was glad to find
their numbers exaggered after he reached there
Monday afternoon the door Of the engine house par
tally open and witness hailed from there two shots
had been fired from there witness hailed and went in
he met Dangerfcld and others there Capt Brown said
witness that he had proposition to make, which he
listened; he wanted to be allowed to 20 the bridge
unmolcsted, and then might take him II We could, he
had fought Uncle Sam before, and was willing 70 dol
again; Brown complained that his men had been shot
down like dogs while bearing a flag OF truce; told
him that they must expect 70 be shot down
like dogs they took up in that way;
Brown and said he knew what he had to undergo before
he there; he had weighed the responsibility and
should not shrink from 1t he said he had full possession
Of the town. and could have massacred all the inhabitants
had he thought proper to do but as be had not he
sidered himself entitled to terms; Brown said he
had shot one who had not carried arms; told MIN
that Mayor Beckman had been killed. and that knew he
was altogether unarmed he seemed sorry hear Of his
death, and said fight only those who fight me' wit
then told the prisoner he did not think any compromise
bo ba
safety they did not appear fear any injury from
him his men, but only from attacks from the ou.side
every had gun, and four fths under COM
mand the military had ceased firing, but who were
intoxicated firing their guns the air and others at
the engine house, Brown any Of his could not
have venured outside the door Of the engine house that
night without being shot, Stephens In the hotel after
he had been wounded and shamed some young men who
cndeavoring TO shoot him he Lay in his bed appa
renty dying; told them that II tho man could stand
his feet with pistol in his hand. they wsuld all jump
out of the window Capt Sims testimony at great
length, but little new elected.
On the conclusion Of his testimony Captain simms stated
that he had returned here at the Of the prisoner
to testify in his behalf with great aacrty he had
come testify against him. He had sympathy for the
acts of the prisoner for his movement the contrary
he would be of the first to bring him to punishment
But he regarded Captain Brown as brave man. and be-
lug informed that he wanted him here witness, he
had returned with pleasure As Southern man he
to state the facts about the case, that Northern
would have no opportunity Of saying that Southern
were unwilling to appear as witnesses in behalf Of one
whose principles they abhor.
ISRAEL RusruI swornWas the bearer Of q flag Of truce
from Browns party to tho citizens Of the Ferry Hses
tmony was merely in corroboraon Of the facts stated by
the previous witness.
TiRxsCx BURNS sworn--Was taken prisoner by Captain
Cook and two others; Of the two hostages
Hued in the engine house, Brown had five OF elk Of his
men there; did not give any reason to why
put there except that for his safety he said
he did not think any attack would be made upon the
gipe house while the hostages we're there.
Here the defence closed their Testimony. None Of the
witnesses were cross examined foo the State.
Mr. Chiffon for the prisoner, rose and submitted
ton that the prosecution in this be compelled to elect
on the on the Indictment and abandon the others Tho
indictment consists Of four counts and endorsed thus
can indictment for treason and advising and conspr!Rg