Smyrna times., 1859-12-08
.~t,. i, u..,i.
THE EXECUTION OF BROWN.


Reception Of Mrs. Brown at CharIestown.
Military DiSpLay-An MterUieO BetUeen the
Husband md IYYe-NceneS at the Erecu-
tiOn-DiSpOSaL Of The BODY.
CHARLEsTowN, Dec 2.
Thursday was passed quietly, with the ex-
ctptlon of great military bustle on The recep-
ton of Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown was escorted
over from Harper's Ferry at ) O'clock in the at-
ternoon. and The entIre military force was
brought out to make a demonstration. She
was received with full military hOnors, but her
companions were not allowed 10 accompany
her from 1arper's Ferry.
After remaining four hours with her husband,
Mrs Brown vas escorted back TO l1arper's Fer
ry, at 8 o o'clock at night, where she awaited the
reception of ne: husbands body.
No one was allowed 10 be near enough 10 the
place of execution 10 hear any remarks made
by Brown.
On the day of the execution everything was
conducted under the strIctest military dlscip-
line, as If the t0wu was In state of siege.
Mounted scouts were stationed in the woods
TO the LETT OF the scu1Old, and picket guards
were stationed out towards the Shenandoah
Mountains, in the rear.
The military on the field formed two hollow
squares. Within the inner one was the scat-
zens were admitted-no one being allowed out
side ofthe lines except the mounted guards.
The InterUieW betl0een BrOWn and has Wife
CHARLEsrowN, Dec. 2.
The interview between Brown and his wife
lasted from o'clock In the afternoon until
near 8 o'clock in the evening, when Gen. Tai
iatero informed them that the period allowed
haI al, sod nd that Mrs RroWn
prepare tor her departure to Harpers Ferry.
On first meeting they kissed and affection
ately embraced each other, and Mrs. Brown
shed few tears, but Immediately checked her
feelings. They stoOd embraced, The wife Sob
bing and the husband apparently unable to
speak for nearly five minutes. The prisoner
only gave way for moment, and was soon calm
and collected, aud remained firm throughout
the remainder Of 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 mercy on
you," and continued calm until she was about
leaving the room, when she remained IN tears
for few muments, and then prepared to de-
part.
The interview took place in the parlor of
Capt. Avis, and the prisoner was free from
mauacles of any klnd. They sat side by side
on the sofa, and after discussing family matters,
proceeded TO business.
He requested her 10 remain at North Elba, in
New York. on a farm where she now resides,
which belongs to her. lie was deslrous that
his Younger children should be educated, and
if she could not obtain facilities for education
at home, to have them sent to a boarding
school, He then gave directions and dictated
to Sheriff Campbell his will, who directed that
oil his property should go TO his wife, with the
exception Of IL few presents and bequests which
he made.
Capt. Brown remarked that he would like the
remains of the two Thompsons removed, If they
could be found, but suggested that 1t would be
best to take his body, with the bodies of his 1
sons, and get pile OF pine logs and burn them
all too ether; that 1t would be much better and
less expensive to thus gather up all their ashes
together aud take them TO their final resting
place.
Sheriff Campbell told him that this would
not be permitted within the State, and Mrs. B.
objected to the proposition altogether. The
prisoner said that he contemplated his death
with comp0sure and caimness. 1t would un-
doubtedy be pleasant to live longer, but, as it
was the will of God he should close his career, !
he was content. 1t doubtless best that he
should be thus legally murdered for the good
of the cause, and he was prepared TO submit TO
Ills will without murmur.
With regard to his execution, he said he de-
sired no religious ceremonies, either in the |
ial or on the scatiuld, from ministers who con-
sent or approve OF the enslavement of their fell !
low-creatures that he would prefer to be ac-
OH the scaifold by a dozen slave
children and a good old slave mother. with
their blessings on his soul, than all the eo-
quence of the whole clergy of the Common
wealth combined.