The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-12-13


Gen. TalIiaferro was also present, and Brown re-
quested that his wife might be allowed to remain
with him all night. To this the General refused
to assent, allowing them but four hours. On first
meeting they kissed and affectionately embraced,
and Mrs Brown shed few tears. They stood en-
braced and she sobbing for nearly five minutes,
and he was apparently unable to speak. At the
close they shook hands but did not embrace, and
as they parted he said "God bless you and the
children" Mrs Brown replied-"God have mer-
cy on YOU" and then prepared to depart. The
business mart of the interview was conducted in
Jalor Avis parlor.
They then sat side by side on the sofa, and at
ter discussing family matters, proceeded to busl-
ness. He stated that he desired his property to
pass entirely into her possession and appeared to
place full confidence in her ability to manage it
properly for the benefit of his younger children
lie requested her to remain at North Elba, In New
York. on the farm where she resides, which
belongs to her. He was DESTROYS that his younger
children should be educated, and if she could not
obtain facilities for their education at home, to have
them sent to a boarding school. He then gave
directions and dictated to Sheriff Campbell his will
which directed that all his property should 60 to
his wife, with the exception of few presents and
requests which he made To one of his sons he
gave double spy-glass; to another one watch; to
another he gave directions that he should take q
tomb or monument, that marks the grave of his
father at North Elba and have engraved on it his
NAME age, and the manner of his death-together
with the cause for which he had suffered death
which he directs shall remain at North Eliza as long
as his family resides there; to each of his children
he bequeathed the sum of $50, and to each of his
daughters bible to cost S. each, to be purchased
out of money coming to him from his father estate
also, bible to cost So, to be presented to each of
his grand children, and that $50 each be paid to
three individuals whom he named, if they can be
found-and if not, to their legal representatives,
directing the best manner by which their present
localities can be ascertained.
During the course of the conversation Mrs.
Brown asked him if he had heard that Gerrit Smith
had become insane, and had leen sent to tie Asylum
at Utica. He replied that he had read it in the
papers, and was sorry to hear it, but Immediately
changed the subject
She subject of the death of his two sons was
spoken of, and Mrs Brown remarked that she had
made some effort whilst at Harper's Ferry for the
recovery of their bodies to which object, she said
Col Barbour had kindly consented to give his
assistance. Captain Brown remarked that he
would also like the remains of the two Thompsons
removed, if they could be found, but suggested
that it would be best to take his body with the
bodies of his four sons, and get pile of pine logs
and burn them altogether-that it would be much
better and less expensive to thus gather up all their
ashes together and take them to their final resting
place. Sheriff Campbell told him that this would
not be permitted within the Stae, and Mrs. Brown
objected to the proposition altogether
The prisoner said that he contemplated his death
with composure and calmness. 1t would undoub-
teddy be pleasant to live longer but as it the
will of God he should close his career he was con-
tent 1t was doubtless best that he should be thus
legally murdered for the good cause, and he was
prepared to submit to His will without murmur.
Mrs. Brown becoming depressed at these remarks,
he bid her cheer up, and told her that his body
would soon be with her, and that they would be
united again in Heaven.
With regard to his execution, he said he desired
no religious ceremonies either in the Jail the
scaffod from ministers who consent to the slavery
of their fellow creatures-that he would prefer
to be accompanied on the scaffold by dozen slave
Mothers with their appeal to God for blessings on
his SOUL than all the eloquence of the whole clergy
of the Commonwealth combined.
During the last week several letters containing
checks and drafts had been forwarded to his friends
in different sections of the country. These he all
endorsed and ordered payable to his wife. Mary A.
Brown, one of them for 500, and another for $50
and handed them to her.
Remains of Old Brorn.
Mrs Brown, with the order for delivery of the
body:
RICHMOND, VA, Nov. &c, 1859.
To Mrs Mary A. Brown:
MADAM Yours of 2lst inst. addressed to from
Philadelphia, came to hand this morning
Believe me- madam, that sadly thank you for your
trust in my feelings q Your situation touches
those feelings deeply Sympathizng do with your
affection, you shall have the exerton of my authority
and personal influence to assist you in gathering up
the bones of your and your husband in Virginia
for decenta and tender nterment among their kindred"
l am happy, madam, that you seem to have the
wisdom and virtue to appreciate my position of duty.
Would to God that public considerations could avert
his DOOM for the Omniscient knows that take not the
slightest pleasure in the execution of any whom the
laws condemn. May he have mercy the erring and
attic ted.
Enclosed is order to Major General William B.
Taliaerro, in command at CharlestOwn Va deliver
to your order the mortal remains of your husband,
''when all shall be over" be delivered your agent
Harpers Ferry and if you attend the reception in
person. to guard you sacredy in your solemn mission
With tenderness and truth, am very respectfully.
Your humble servant. HENRY A. WISE.
The other Prisoners
The execution of Brown has greatly depressed
the other prisoners, and ALL with the exception of
Cook, are looking forward with certainty to their
doom, and making religious preparation
with sincerity and carnestness Cook has evident
ly not yet abandoned his hope of commutation |
Stevens has almost entirely recovered from his |
wounds, with the exception of considerable sore
ness and slight FERTILIZATION on the right side of
his head, where several buckshot are lodged near
the He has but little to say and seems calm, |
quiet and resigned. There is better feeling in |
the community for Stevens than for any of the |
other prisoners from the fact that he has evinced