Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-11-01
@ailp Siroiniau.
Trial ofthe Harpor's Ferry Insurgents.
Arieal Of Boston Counsel for Browa--
Trial Of John Brocn Continuation Of the 1es.
hmony, dc.

Trial ct John Bro,cn - Continuation Of the 1es-
ttmony, dc.
THIRD DAY.
Cook arrived at Charlestown Yesterday morn
ing. lie says that if Brown had taken his advice
in relation to mounting the men, force one
thousand strong could not have taken them. lie
says that Fred. Douglas acted tho coward, as hc
promised to be there in person. There is great
rejoicing at Charlostown ut the arrest Of Cook.
George ii. lloyt, esq, of Boston, arrived at
Charlestown yesterday, TO act counsel for
Brown
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT.
The court met Mt IL O'clock Brown was led
over from the Jail, walking very feebly. and laid
down on the cot.
Senator Mason entered the court with Mr..
lIovt, the counsel from Boston.
The Jury was then called and Mr.. Rotts an.
nounced the arrival Of Mr. lIoyt, who had como
to assist the counsel for Brown.
Mr.. Hoyt then took tho customary oath.
The testimony was then resumed, Conducto:
Phelps being recalled.
Col. Washington was also recalled to the staud
He snid negotiations were opening with Brown
for the release of prisoners before tho general Il
ring commenced ON Monday. Does not know
whether all tho prisoners signed the proposition
for II susren>i II If firing.
In the opening negotiations Brown frequently
suggested that the prisoners should cross tho
bridge with him to the second canal, and the lock
not to he fired upon until they reached that
point. None Of the prisoners n,ade any objection
to the proposition,
Brown said he was too old II soldier to Weld the
advantage he possessed in holding hostages. Du.
ring the day Browns son was wounded in the
Lrcast.-thc ball passing around tn the side, but
he took his weapon again and fired frequently be
fore his sufferings compelled him to retire
Heard Capt. Brown frequently complain ol bad
faith of people in Kansas "na flag of truce
1
tivcness. against the people. Mr.. Brewer went
out and brought in u PROMISE that the people
would not fire while negotiations were pending.
Cannot say that all the firing of Capt. Brown or
his men was in scfdefence; heard Brown give
frequent orders not to fire unarmed citizens;
the first firing against the eng gne-house.
Brown said the people appeared to pay little re-
gard the lives of the citizens, and we must take
the chances with them. After the first attack on
the engine-house by the marines, there WAS II
general cry of "snrrcndcr'
One cried surrender, but the others fought on.
Brown had II rifle in his hands when he was struck
down by tue marines, aud received cut over the
head with n sword by Lieutenant Green.
Mr.. Hunter laid before the Jury tho printed
constitution and ordinance Of the provisional GOV
ernmcnt, reading the two first clauses of the pre-
aulble the 1th, 10Th. and 4Sth articles, and bric.
fly summing up the other portions Of tho consti-
tuition.
Sheriff Campbell know, the hand writing Of the
prisoner; has copied Il letter for him.
Brown the prisoner) said he would identify,
himself, any of his handwriting, and save all
that trouble. lie was ready to face the music
Mr.. Hunter said he would prefer to prove them
hy Mr.. Campbell.
Brown Either way, as you please.
large lunde Of letters was produced, each Of
which identified by Campbell.
They were then hanaed tO Brown, who, Mt the
E,-k .l,,,,t
is mine" These letters and paper, were about
fifty in number Mr.. Hunter read the list of
members Of the convention. 1t was headed
WiLLiN CHARLES NORRIS,
President of the Convention.
il. kAGi, Secretary Of the Conyontion
On handing the list to Brown, he exclaimed,
with groan that's my signature.
In reference to another paper he said, have
nothing to say about that.
The letter from j. X. Giddings, acknowled ing
the receipt of letter from Brown. and wing
that he wocld be pleased to see him at his l.ouac
during the summer, read.
Mr.. Hunter then read the letter from Gcrrtt
Smith. about the Kansas work, as already publish
ell.
Mr. Armistcad Ball. the er-machnst of
the armory.. ..Mr. All-tad', Alexander Kelly, AL
bert Grist, Henry Hunter, Benjamin +. Beal. aud
Lewis Starry were then sworn, and gave in their
testimony. Mr.. Balls testimony is the most I'M
portant, and is aS follows:
On Monday, early in the morning, ,he was ar1us-
cd by benjamin Hobbs announcing that persons
were at the armory carrying off government prop.
crty, Wn,n he reached the gates he was aceost.
ed by two armed men and seized ss u Irisoner-
They refused 10 make any explanations until lie
had Lcen taken within The armory yard. Stevens
was sentry at the gate, and conducted witness to
Capt. Brown, who told him that their object was
to free the slaves, not to make war the people;
4
saie that his war against the nocursed system
If slavery; that he had power tn do il. and woull
carry it out; it child's play lie had unde IN
ken. lie then gave me permission to return tn
my family to assure them my safety and get
breakfast. Started back home, and was accompa-
MED by two armed men, who stood at the door,
breakfast not being ready. went back, and was al
lowed to return home again under escort, at lat
er hour; on returning again. Capt Brown said it
was his determination to seize the arms and mil
ntl"ns of the government t. arm the blacks, 10
defend themselves against their masters. Brown
also made proposition to himself and other Off
GERS at the hrmory to deliver into his possession
the munitions of war belonging to the government.
We replied that they were already in his posses
sion, /, were. Brown frequently told US thai
safety depended upon the good conduct of our
citizens. When the firing commenced all felt VIC
were in danger. and almost any proposition that
was made was accepted to secure our safety
Brown sud u the c'lzens were willing to risk the
lives Of the prisoners in capturing him, they must
abide ly it. Brown made but proposition
to 90 to the canal lock, give up their prs and
fl tht it out with the military. Atdaylight On Tues,
day morning witness appealed to Brown on the
ground Of humanity to the pi isoners as well as to
the who appeared so bound to him, not to per-
sist in splling more blood. Brown replied that
he wa, well aware what he was about, and know
the consequences that he was already proclaimed
an outlaw. and three thOusand five hundred dol
lars on his head. With regard To the killing
Of Bsckham. one of Browns party had fred in
that dire ton several times. demonstrated with
him when levelling his rife ut an old man named