The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-10-27


L. Clephane, Esq,
Sec'y Repub. Association, Washington.
The following resolution waa also unani-
rnously adopted:
Resoleed, That the SecretaSxbe directed to
furnish the city papers copyoi these resolu-
tons. 81
After which, the meeting adjourned.
"A LONG CONVERSATIONS WITH
BROWN.
The reporter of the Baltimore American fur
nishes the following interesting account Of a
conversation between Senator Mason and others
and Brown, the leader of the revolt. We give
it for what it is worth, as piece Of news, with
out con6ding entirely in its statements If it
in any degree mis-states the conversation, its
publication viii be the best means of detecting
the imposition. 1t is but just to say that Sen.
ator Mason deneaned himself towards the help
less prisoner with the courtesy o. true gentle
man, if the report Ee accurate3 while others,
with high claims to responsibility, were not thus
distinguished.
A CONVERSATION WITH OLD BROWN"
While examining the Armory grounds, the
scenes of action, and prosecuting our very gen.
eral inquiries, we happened to fall in with an
old acquaintance, of the editorial corps of New
York. From him we learned that Messrs.
Senator Mason, of Virginia; ex-member of
Congress Faulkner, of Charlestown, Virginia ;
and Hon. Mr.. Vallandgham, Of Ohio, were to
have an interview with "Ossa watomie." Of
course we at once determined upon being pres
j. - n
force and effect.
After some little delay, we were introduced
into the room where Brown and Stevens Law.
We found the former to be a six-footer, although
as he lay he had the appearance o. being some six
inches shorter than that. He has rather pecu.
liar shaped head, long gray hair, which at this
time was matted the sabre cut in his head hav-
ing caused blood TO flow freely, 80 the complete
Disagreement Of his face, which. like his hands,
was begrimed with dirt, evidently the result Of
continued exposure to the smoke of powder.
His eyes are Of pale blue, or perhaps sharp
gray-much such al eye Is / remember his
brother 6libuster, Walker, to have. During his
conversation, hereafter reported, no sign Of
weakness was exhibited. In the midst Of enc.
mics, whose home be had invaded, wounded,
and prisoner, surrounded BY small army of
officials, and q more desperate army of angry
face, he lay on the floor, and, ir reply to every
question, gave answers that betokened the spirit
that animated him. The language of Governor
Wise we'll expresses his boldness, when he said,
He is the gamest man ever saw" believe
the worthy Executive had hardly expected to see
q man so act in such trying moment
Stevens is fne-looking specimen of the
geass homo. He is the only one of the lot that
! have seen, excepting, Of course, the negroes,
who had not light hair. His hair and long
beard are of fine black his face partakes Of
the handsome and noble; his eye, though rest
less, has sharp briliancy; he, too, is a six
footer. A stout, strong man. whose condition,
lying upon the floor, obedient to the last to the
commands of my captain as he called him
wounded with three or four gun-shot wounds,
two in the head and one in the breast certain
of death could not but pity him. Several
hearts grew sad at the recollection of his wife,
far away, probably unaware Of his sad stua-
ton, looking and longing for his return. He,
too, showed a marvellous courage. Ever and
anon grooming with excessive pain, he did not,
however, forget himself for one instant, but
calmly, although in such pain, listened to the
conversation as it progressed, on at least one
occasion correcting q remark Of Browns.
Both men seem prepared for death-seemed
to court it, rather-perhaps under the idea that
they will be acknowledged martyrs, but more
possibly under the conviction of having per.
formed sacred duty. However much the writer
hereof may differ from them, there must arise q
feeling of respect for them in sheir bold rash.
ness. 20
The parties present in the room during the
conversation were Senator Mason, Hons.
Messrs. Faulkner and Vaiandigham, DIR.
3 gigs, Lieut.. Stuart, LIST cavalry, q. s. A..
NJ al
were q few other persons came in at times, to
see what was going on. preliminary con-
versation was had, which amounted to no more
than inquiries about Browns condition for talk.
ing, and his reply was, he would rather like it.
His answers, at the time when / commence the
full report, are all included in what give.
Sen. Mason. How do you justify Jour acts2
Brown. think, my friend, you are guilty of
a great wrong against God and humanity. /
say that without wishing to be offensive. 1t
would he perfectly right for any one to inter.
fere with you, so far as to free those you will
fully and wickedly hold in bondage / do not
say this insultingly.
Mr.. Mason. understand that
Brown. think / did right, and that others
will do right who interfere with you at any
time, and all times. l hold that the golden
rule, do unto others as you would that others
SnouAu w eASo yoos opPaAOS W al WIN WOuiu
help others to gain their liberty.
Lieut.. Stuart But you don't believe in the
Bible?
Brown. Certainly do.
Mr.. Vsllandigham. Where did your men
come from7 Did some of them come from
Ohio?
Brown. Some of them.
MrV. From the Western Reserve? Ofcourse
none came from Southern Ohiol
Brown. Oh yesl I believe one came from
Steubenville, down not far from Wheeling.
Mr.. v. Have you been in Ohio this summer
Brown. Yes, sir.
Mr.. v. How Iatelyf
Brown. passed through to Pittsburg on my
way, in June.
Mr.. ". We're you At any county or State
fair theref
Brown. was not there since June.
Mr.. Mason. Did you consider this military
organisation in this papers tshowing q copy
Of the so-called consultation and ordinance.) /
have not yet read it.
Brown. did in some meAsure. ] wish you
would give that paper your close. attention,
Mr.. N. You considered yourself the COM
mander-in-chief Of this provisional military
force? ~