Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-12-14
"Details of the Execution of Brown.

CHARLESTON, Dec. 2.-Captam Brown wa
hung to-day at quarter past eleven o'clock
the military assembled ut nine o'clock, anc
were posted on the field where the executio,
took place, and also at various points snr
rounding. as laid down for the general order
for the day. Everything was conducted &C
cording to the strictest military discipline, a
if the town was in state Of seige.
Mounted scouts were stationed in the wood
to the left of the scaffold, and picket guard!
were stationed out towards the Shenandoah
mountains, in the rear. The military on thu
field formed two hollow squares within the
inner one was the scafold, and between the
inner and the outer lines the citizens were ad
mitted-no one being allowed outside of thu
lines except the mounted guards.
At eleven O'Clock the prisoner was brought
out of the Jail, accompanied by Sheriff Camp
bell and his assistants, and Capt. Avis, the
jailor.
A small wagon containing white pine
coffin was driven up, on which Brown took
his seat. Six companies Of infantry and ri
Hcmen, one company Of horsemen, and the
general aud staff officers, numbering twenty.
five, headed the procession, which soon moved
towards the place ofexecution.
The prisoner was not accompanied by any
minister, desiring to have no religious cere
monies either in the jail Or on the scatiold
He looked calmly around on the masses ol
the people, seemingly fully seEpossessed. On
reaching the scafiuld he mounted it with Il
firm step. His arms were pnioned by the
sheriff, and he bid ..lrewell to Captain Avis
and Sheriff Campbell.
At halfpast eleven o'clock the trap vas
pulled away, and with few slight struggles
John Brown yielded up his life.
The following embraces all the particulars
of the memorable event that seem worthy Of
recording:
At an early hour the town was in more than
usual stir even for the stirring times that have
fallen upon this neighborhood. Soon the
movements Of the military drew all the citi'
zens Of the place and all others who had been
able to gain admttance to the town, to the
vicinity Of the place assiged for the execution.
The prisoner was brought out Of jail at elev.
en- o'clock. Before leaving be bid adieu to
all his fellow prisoners, and was very affection.
ate to all except Cook. he charged Cook
with having deceived and misl.d him in rela-
ton to the support he was to receive from the
slaves. He said he WAS led by him to believe
they were rife for insurrection, but he hal
found that his representations were false.
Cook denied the charge, aud made but little
reply to Brown. The prisoner then told the
sheriff he was ready. when his arms were pin
ioned and he walked to the door, apparently
calm and cheerful. Hc wore black sioach
hat and the same clothes worn during his trial.
AS he came out he was taken under guard of
the military. Six companies OF infantry, and
one troop of horse, with Gen. Taliatcrro and
his entire staff, were deploying in front of the
Jail.
At the door of the Jail an open wagon, with
4 pine box, in which was fine oak coffin,
was waiting for him. He looked around and
spoke to several persons whom he recognised,
and walking down the steps, was assisted to
enter the wagon, and took his seat on the box
containing his coffin, along with Jailol Avis.
He louked with interest on the fine military
display, but made no remark. The wagon
novel of as soon as he had taken his seat,
llankcd with two files of ritlemen in close or.
der.
On reaching the field the military had al.
ready full possession, and pckcts were sta
toned at various points. The citizens were
kept back at the pout Of the ba,yonet from
taking any position except that assigned
quarter of 4 mile from the
scaffold. Through the determined persistence
of DR.. Rawlings, of Frank Lsslie's paper, the
order excluding the press was partially re-
scindel, and the reporters were assigned po-
sition near the Generals staff.
The prisoner walked up the steps firmly,
and was the first MN on the gallows. Jailor
Avis and Sheriff Campbell stood side hy side,
and after shaking hands and bidding an affec-
tionate adicu. thanked them for their kind
ness. lie tLen put the cap over his face and
the rope around his neck. Mr.. Avis then
asked Kim to step forward on the trap. He
replied, You must lead me-, for cannot
see The rope now being adjusted, and tue
military order given, the soldiers marched
and countermarchcd, and took their position
as if an enemy was in sight. Nearly ten min
ntcs WAS thus occupied, the prisoner standing
meanwhile. Mr.. Avis inquired il he was not
tired. Brown replied, "No; but don't keep
me waiting longer than necessary
At fifteen minutes past eleventh trap fell.
a slight gr;lsping of the hands and twitching
OF the muscles was visible, and tEen all was
quiet.
The bo,ly was several times examined, and
his pulse did not cease beating Tor thirty.five
minutes. 1t was then cut down and placed
in the collin AMI conveyed under military
escort to the depot, and there put in car, TO
be conveyed to lIarper's Ferry by special train
at four O'Clock.
Bromn's LderrieaC yith his Fellor. Prison
ers.-Sleritf Campbell hid the prisoner fare.
wei. in his cell, and Brown returned his
thanks 10 him his kindness, and spoke of
Capt. Pate rs brave man. tlc wns then
conducted to the cells Of his fell Nv prisoners,
desiring to take his leave of them. Entering
the Cell Of Copeland sud Green, lie told them
to stand up like msu and not hctray their
friends. Hc hanted each quarter Of dol
lar saying that he had no more use for money,
and having said this, he bid them final fare.
we'll.
Next he visited Cook and Goppie, who were
chained together Addressing Cock, he re-
marked, (" You have made false statements.' y
Cook asked, "What do you mean?' Brown
replied, "Why in stating that ! sent you to
IIarper's Ferry" Cock replied, "Did you
not tell me in Pittsburg to come to llarper's
Ferry and see if Forbes had made disclos
ures?" Captain Brown, No sir! You know
| protested against your coming" To this
Cook only responded "Captain Brown, we
remember differently As he said tlis he
dropped his head, and Brown as il in con-
tempt, turned away, and addressing Coppie,
said: "Coppie, you also made false state
ments, but am glad to hear yon contradicted
up like man." Brown also
handed Coppic quarter, and then shaking
both by the hand, parted with them.
The prisoner was next taken to Stevens
cell, and kindly interchanged with him good
bye, Stevens said: Good bye, Captain-I
know you are going to better land" Brown
7 I