Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-11-10
Conviction and Sentence Of Brown.

on the 3lst inst, when the jury after half an
hours deliberaton returned verdict of guilty
upon all the Counts in the indictment.
Mr.. Chiffon moved an arrest of judgment,
both on account OF errors in the indictment
aud errors in the verdict The objection in
regard to the indictment has already been
stated. The prisoner has been tried for an
offeuce not appearing on the record OF the
Grand Jurv-the verdict was not on each
count separately but was general verdict on
the whole indictment ...... s.fE
The prisoner has also been found guilty Of
both murder coun is for the murder of the
same persons. 1t was manifest he could not
be guilty OF both.
These points were argued next morning, by
the counsel, Brown being present.
The Court gave its decision on the motion
for an arrest of Judgment, overrung the OBJ
iectons made On the objection that treason
cannot be committed against a State, the
Judge ruled that where allegiance is due trea-
son may be committed. Most of the States
have passed laws against treason. The OBJ
jectons as to the form Of the verdict rendered
the Court also regarded as Insufficient.
The Clerk then asked Mr.. BROWN whether
he had anything to say why sentence should
not be pronounced upon him.
Mr. BRowN Immediately rose, aud in clear,
distinct voice said:
l have may it please the Court, few words
10 say In the frst place, deny everything
but what have all along admitted-viz.,
design on my part to free slaves. intended,
certainly, to have made a clean thing of that
matter, as did last Winter when went into
+ooIy @, vrit +bo
swapping of gun on either side, moving them
through the country, and finally leaving them
in Canada. l designed to have done the same
! thing again on larger scale. That was all |
intended | never did intend murder or trea-
son, OF the destruction Of property, or to excite
or incte slaves to rebellion, or to make insur-
rection. have another objection, and that
! is it is unjust that | should suffer such
penalty. Had interfered in the manner
which ] admit, and which l admit has been
| fairly proven-for | admire the truthfuneSS
and caudor of the greater portion of the wit
nesses who have testified in this caSe-had |
SO interfered in behalf Of the rich, the power.
! fu, the intelligent, the so called great, or in
| behal. Of any of their friends, either father,
mother, brother, sister, wife or children, or any
| of that class. and suffered and sacrificed what
! | have in this interference, it would have been
/ all right every man in this Court would have
deemed it an act worthy of reward, rather
than punishment This Court acknowledges,
/ too. as I suppose, the validity of the law Of
! God. see q book kissed, which | suppose to
/ be the Bible, or at least the New Testament,
which teaches me that all things whatsoever
would that man should do to me, should do
even So to them. 1t teaches me further, to
remember them that are in bonds, as bound
with them. I endeayor to act up to that in
struction. say am yet too young to under
stand that God is any respecter ofpersons |
believe that to have interfered as | have DONE
as | have always freely admitted have done
! in behalf of His despsed poor 10 wrong but
right. Now, il il is deemed necessary that
should forfeit my life for the lurtherance Of
the ends Of justice, and minge my blood fur
Their with the blood of my children, and with
the blood Of millions in the slave country
whose rights are disregarded by wicked cruel
and unjust enactmentS, l say let it be done
Let me say one word further feel entirely
satisfied with the treatment Ihave received on
my trial Considering all the circumstances,
it has been more generous than | expected.
But feel no consciousness of guilt. | have
SIdLbu lIOll Tue III 81 lIdG dS llINuliO! duu
what was not. Inever had any design against
the liberty of any person, nor any disposition
TO commit treason or excite Slaves to rebel, or
make any general inSurrection. | never en-
couraged any mau to do So but always dis
couraged any idea Of that kind. Let me say
also in regard to the statements made by some
Of those who were connected with me. | fear
it has been stated by some Of them that have
induced them to join Inc, but the contrary is
true. | do not say this to injure them, but as
regretting their weakness. Not one but joined
me of his own accord, and the greater part at
their own expense A number of them never
saw, and never had word of conversation
with till the day they came to me, and that
was for the purpose | have stated. Now, |
have done.
While Mr.. BROWN was speaking perfect
, quietness prevailed, and when he had finished
the Judge proceeded to pronounce sentence
After few predatory remarks, he said that no
reasonable doubt could exist of the guilt of
the prisoner, and sentenced him to be hung in
public On Friday, the % of December next.
Mr.. Brown received his sentence with com.
posnre.
On Friday last, Green. the negro was con
VlCteu OF lncilihS utSIoeS W lheulleCIiou auu
murder in the first degree. The charge of treason
was abandoned in his case, he not being a
citizen. Copeland, the mulattc was next put
on trial.
E9~ The counsel Of Brown have filed ex
ceptons to the decision of the Court in refusing
an arrest ofjudgment, and will carry the case
to the Court of Appeals at Richmond. The
trial of Shields Green, one of the conspirators
was begun on Tuesday. 1t is believed that
the prisoner will be sentenced to be hung on
the same day Cook, it is thought, will plead