Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-12-06
Visit of Mrs. Brown to CharIestown.

n letUer IRON CnarleSt0Wn, on lnurSuay, LIE
Let inst, says: At day break this morning the
reyeille sounded from the head quarters oftwer.
ty different companies, arousing those who retired
late rather earlier than comfort would warrant
The morning was spent in counter marching,
drilling and rife-practice, and nothing Especial
interest occurred until - o'clock, when car
rage accompanied by twelve mounted guarde
was dispatched for Harper's Ferry to bring up
Mrs. Brown, the wife of the prisoner, who ar
rived there last evening. She was accompanied
by gentleman and lady, two of her relatives,
whom rumor'soon announced to be the Rev.
Henry Ward Beecher and lady, but like rumor
generally in this region was altogether unfound-
ed. The directions given to the guard, however,
was not to allow them to accompany her-that
the order of the Governor was to give her per-
mission alone to enter the town, and all others
must be excluded.
At 8 o'clock dress parade of the entire mill
tary here assembled, and eight companies were
directed to form in front of the Jail, from whence
they were ordered to clear an open space OF about
three hundred yards on each side, forming q
hollow square with all the pomp of grand mil.
itary reception. The four brass howitzers were
stationed in the centre of the square, and there
seemed to be an evident intention to appal the
poor woman with the military majesty of the
Commonwealth of Virginia. all the citizens
were compelled to fall back, and there was even
some disposition to prevent them from standing
in their own doors to witness the spectacle.
At half-past o'clock, the cavalcade from the
Ferry, surrounding the carriage containing Mrs.
Brown, and Captain Moore, of the Black Hawk
Rangers, who had been delegated to accompany
her, arrived in front of the Court House, when
the military escort reported to General Taliafer-
70 the accomplishment of their mission.
During this scene Mrs. Brown seemed calm
and collected, but bore on her features the eV-
dence of an internal anguish that was unms.
taxable. She was met at the steps of the Jail by
Sheriff Campbell, who took her arm and escorted
her within the walls to take her last interview
with her husband.
The interview lasted from four o'clock in the
afternoon until near eight o'clock in the even
ing, when Gen. Talaferro informed them that
the period allowed them had elapsed, and that
she must prepare for her departure to the Ferry.
The carriage was again brought mp to the door,
the military took possession of the square, and
with On escort of twenty mounted men, the cor
tege moved off, Captain Moore, of the Mont
golnery Guards, accompanying her.
The interview was, learn, not very affect
ing enc, but rather of practical character with
regard TO tie future of herself and children, and
the arrangement and settlement of business at
fairs. On first meeting they kissed and affee-
tionately embraced, and Mrs. Brown shed a few
tears, but Immediately checked her feelings
They stood embraced aud she sobbipg tor nearly
FIVE minutes, and he was apparently unable to
speak. The prisoner only gave way for mo-
ment and was soon calm and collected, and re-
NAMED firm throughout the interview. 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 continued calm until she lett
the room, when she remained in tears few mo.
ments and then prepared to depart. The inter-
view took place in the parlor of Captain Avis,
and the prisoner was free from manacles OF any
kind
During the course of the conversation Mrs.
Brown asked him il he had heard that Gerrit
Smith had become insane, and had been sent to
an Asylum at Utica. He replied that he had
read of it in the papers, and was sorry to hear
it, but Immediately changed the subject.
Brown dictated his will, which directed that
all his property should go to his wife, with the
exception OF 8 few presents and requests which
be made. On the way to Oharlestown, Mrs.
Brown informed Capt. Moore that she had not
seen her husband since last June about six months
ago, and that they had been separated, with the
exception of few days, for nearly two years.
They had, however, correspondent, and she al
ways felt deep interest in the cause in which
he was engaged.
There was an impression that the prisoner
might possibly be furnished with weapon or
with strychnine by his wife, and before the in
terview her person was searched by the wife OF
the jailor, and strict watch kept over them
during the time they were together. Mrs. Brown
has undoubtedly been received with every cour-
tesy and respect, and her coming gives general
satisfaction to the community
The NORTHERN PULPIT ON THE HARPER's