Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-12-07
The Execution OF Brown,

few days before the time appointed for his
execution saying if she thought she could
bear the meeting with calmness, he would
be glad to take leave of her; %whereupon she
determined to see him once more before he
died. Mrs, Mckin, knowing the value of
a woman's sympathy and companionship,
under such trying circumstances, volun-
teered to accompany her, as also did Mr..
McKim and another gentleman. The lat
ter supplied themselves with the best tes-
timonials as to responsibility and charac-
ter. and also with letters of introduction to
Col. Lewis A. Washington and others, and
reached Harper's Ferry N Wednesday
night.
On the next morning, they communica-
ted with the officer in command of the Viz
ginia military here, that Mrs. Brown had
arrived, and that they wished to accompa-
ny her TO Charlestown. The officer cour-
tccusly responded, that he presumed there
would be no difficulty in granting their re-
quest, and Immediately telegraphed to Gen.
Taliaferro, at Charlcstown, who, in turn,
telegraphed to Gov. Wise for instructions.
A great number of messages were then ex-
changed, and finally it was ordered that
Mrs. Brown should be sent alone to see her
husband. and under an escort of military,
and the others of the party should be de-
tanned and watched Mrs. Brown was
greatly distressed at being compelled to 90
without her friends, but finally consented,
and was taken to Charlestown and allowed
an interview of two hours with her hus-
band, but was not permitted to remain du-
ring the night. An anecdote is related of
Brown in this connection. which is emi-
nently characteristic: When Gen. Talia-
ferro had arranged for the visit of Mrs.
Brown; he called on the prisoner and in
formed him that his wife would come to see
him, and he wished to know how long an
interview be desired.
Brown said-'Three or four hours to
which the General responded that was too
long an hour he thought was enough
Brown replied: Very well. sir. obey your
orders. and do your duty. l have 10 ia
vors to ask of the State of Virginia
This indomitable spirit was manifested
to the last In his final interview with
Cook, he accused him sternly of falsehoOd
in representing that he, Cook, had been
misled by him. He shook hands with all
the prisoners, and handed each of them
twenty-five cents, remarking that the mon
ey was of no further use to him.
When parting from his wife, he asked
the TAILOR as though it were the most casual
and Indifferent question, AT what hour
am | to be executed And on being told
IL O'Clock, he turned to his wife and said,
Very well; if think of anything else to
say, 1 will write it down and leave it for
you
LAST INTERVIEW OF Mr. AND MRS. BROWN
The following is a succinct and truthful
account Of the concluding interview between
Mr.. and Mrs. Brown. An escort of caval-
~ accompanied Mrs. Brown from Harper's
Ferry under command of Captain Moore.
Of the Richmond Montgomery Guards
The carriage which conveyed her was
stopped at the outskirts of town. All the
military were ordered out. and the street
was thronged with aids and plumed Off
Gals. who appeared anxious to convey to
the distressed woman an idea of their con-
sequence. The carriage was driven slow
ly through town while the women and
children gaped frem the windows, and
mushroom soldiery strutted the streets.
On arriving at the Jail, which was close
ly guarded, the carriage stopped, and Capt
Moore. who rode with Mrs. Brown, jumped
from the vehicle, and rendered her his arm,
escorted her into Jail.
Capt Brown was Informed of his wifc's
arrival, and requested that she might be
allowed to enter his room as soon as posi-
bic. In a few minutes the jailor condue-
ted her into his presence. The meeting
was affecting, and at first neither party
spoke.
Brown embraced her, pressed her to his
bosom and exclaimed, My wife, No tears
were. shed, but a deep drawn sigh told too
well of the intensity of the feeling which
each were undergoing.
After a few moments thus spent, the
Captain drew a chair, and Mrs. Brown sat
down. He then spoke to her of his condi-
tisn, told her he was contented, and if it
was not from parting with her and others
whom he loved. he would have no regret in
dying. Mrs. Brown entered fully into the
feelings of her husband, and both were re-
signed to the fate which awaited him.
Capt. Brown referred to the disposition
Of his property and the welfare of his chill
dren, and after spending an hour in con-
versation, supper was brought in by the
kind %jailor, and the husband and wife sat
down together to partake of their last meal.
The Captain raised his hands. and asked
God to bless the meal, and then with a
cheerfulness which has no parallel, they
commenced their repast. From the time
Mrs. 3. arrived old Capt. BIS spirits rose
and exhibited light heartedness, which sur
prised those who were around him. Mrs.
Brown remained with her husband until
half past six o'clock, when she was inform
ed that the interview must end. The Cap
tain desired that his wife might remain
with him during the night. but the orders
from headquarters were to the contrary,
and accordingly they separated. While the
parting scene was one which showed much
intensity of feeling, there was 10 exhibition
of passion, and after an embrace, and kiss.
and kind admonition from Brown, they par
ted forever.
Gov. Wise had given an order to the eff
feet that if any person called for the body
Of Brown, who was entitled to it, that the
Sheriff should hand the same over, and Mrs.
Brown was assured by the authorities the
body would be sent to her address at Har-
per's Ferry. Brown spent some two or
three hours, last night, writing and read
ing, and then retired to rest. He slept
soundly, and rose about six o'clock, cheer
full and apparently uncOncerned about the
fate which awaited him. About half past
seven o'clock, after partaking of his break
fast, jailor Captain Avis, who had been
very kind to Brown, and who had endeared
himself thereby, informed him that he could
visit Cook, Coppoc and the other prisoners,
if he desired. Accordingly. he was conduc-
ted to the room of Cook first.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN BROWN y HIS EEL