Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-11-04

any similar society. which, in this country
are frequently created with all the outsid
forms and machinery of government.
Mr. Griswold further argued that the iur,
could not find Brown guilty Of treason unles
they find him guilty Of associating with 9th
ers to organize government to overthrow
the government Of Virginia, but If the pam
phlet proved anything, it shows that an at
tempt was made to overthrow the government
eff the United States and not of Virginia. bu
it was in vague and unmeaning language
which really means nothing but the repeal o
obnoxious laws in the Constitution. As t,
the charge Of conspiring with slaves, no on,
has testified that Brown, or any one will
him, said or did anything to induce slaves t.
rise in rebellion
Slaves were taken possession of for tempo.
rary purposes, and placed in the Arsenal, but
Col. Washington has testified that no one
took part in the matter except Phil, who, at
the suggestion Of the prisoner, attempted to
drill port-hole, aud that was done, not for
instruction or rebellion, but to protect them
selves. True, they were amenable to pun
ishmont, but not as they were indicted with
regard 20 murder in the first degree This
involved promoditatod murder. but he argued
AhAA hN sum inullIt ndu Ottu hnOWuH Ouuh
were fred in all directions, and they fred. or
intended to fire only on armed men. With
out excusing their conduct for one moment,
he would remark that it refuted the idea Of
premeditated malice they had not at the
time the forethought and reflection which the
law allows.
Mr.. Chiffon went at great length into the
case, his arguments being Of a similar tenor
to those of his associate.
Mr. Hunter closed the argument for the
State.
Mr.. Hunter contended that the code Of
Virginia defines who are citizens Of Virginia
as "al white persons born in any other State
of this Union who may become residents
here The evidence in this case shows,
without the shadow Of a question, that when
this man came to Virginia, and planted his
feet on Harpers Ferry, he came there to re-
side and hold the place permanently. 1t is
true he occupied farm four Of five miles off
in Maryland, short time since, but not for
the legitimate purpose Of establishing his
domci there. IL was for the nefarious and
hollish purpose Of rallying forces into this
Commonwealth. and establishing himself at
Harpers Ferry as a starting point for new
government Whatever it was. whether
tragical. or farcical and ridiculous as his
counsel has presented it, his conduct showed,
if biz declarations were insufficient, that it
WAS not alone for the purpose Of carrying off
slaves that he came there.
His provisional government was a real
thing, and no debating society, as his counsel
would haue MS believe and, in holding office
under il, agd exercising its functions, he was
clearly guilty of treason. AS to conspiring
with slaves and rebels the law says the pris-
onors are equally guilty. whether instruction
is made or not Advice may be given by ac-
tions, as well as words. When oou put pixies
into the hands of slaves, and have their mas
tiers captive. that is advice to the slaves 10
rebel, and punishable with death. The law
does not require positive evidence, but only
enough to remove every reasonable doubt as
to the guilt Of the party.
Mr.. Chiffon asked for certain instructions
to the jury, but the only one granted was that
the Jury must be satisfied that the place where
the offence was committed was within the
boundaries Of Jefferson county.
A recess Of half an hour was taken.
When tue jury came in, Brown sat up in
bed while the verdict was rendered.
The verdict Of the jury convicted Brown Of
treason in advising and conspiring with slaves
and others to rebel, and murder in the first
degree.
Brown lay down quietly and said nothing
There was no demonstration Of any kind
Mr. Chiffon moved an arrest Of judgment
on account Of error in indictment and error.
in verdict.