The weekly Anglo-African., 1859-12-10


friend or foe, in all Charlestown that day
and not word was spoken that was mo-
IAN intuitive appreciation of his manly cour
sage Firmly and with elastic step he NOV
led forward. No finching Of towards
heart there. He stood in the midst of tina
organized mob, from whose despotic heart.
petty tyranny seemed for the nonce elem.
mated by the admiration they had in once
sbeholding man-for John Brown was
there every inch man,
AS he stepped out of the door, black
woman, with her tile child in arms, stood
near his way. The twain were of the des
pissed race for whose emancipation and ele
walton to the dignity of the children of Goo
he was about to lay down his life His
thoughts at that moment none can know
Except as his acts interpret them. Ht
stopped for moment in his course, stopped
.oyer, and with the tenderness of one whose
love is as broad as the brotherhood of man
kissed the child affectionately. That moth.
Ter will be proud of that mark of distinction
for her offspring, and some day, when over
the ashes Of John Brown the temple Of
Virginia liberty is reared, she may join in
the joyful song of praise which on that sol
will do justice to his memory.
The vehicle which was to convey Brown
to the scaffold was furniture wagon. On
the front seat was the driver, man named
Hawks, said to be a native of Massachu.
sets, but for many years resident of Vir.
brrh o. do oil
Her, the undertaken. In the box was plac-
ed the coffin, made of black walnut, inclos.
ed in a poplar box with fiat lid, in which
coffin and remains were to be transported
from the county. John Brown mounted
the wagon, and took his place in the seat
with Capt. Avis, the jailor, whose admira-
ton of his prisoner is of the profoundest
nature. Mr.. Sadler, too, was one of Browns
friends in his confinement, and
pays noble tribute to his manly quail
ties.
"What beautiful country you have,
said Capt. Brown to Capt. Avis.
eyes" was the response.
at seems the more beautiful to behold
because have been so long shut out from
it,"
"You are more cheerful than am, Capt.
Brown" said Mr. Sadler.
eyes" said the Captain, 81 ought to be-"
He continued, II see no citizens here
where are they?"
"The citizens are not allowed to be pres
but the soldiers was the re-
ply.
''That ought not to be-" said the old
man; "citizens should be allowed to be
present as well as others"
The cortege passed half around the gal
lows to the east side. where it halted. The
troops composing the escort took up their
assigned position, but the Petersburg
Grays, as the immediate body-Guard, re-
NAMED as before, closely hemming in the!
prisoner They finally opened ranks toI
let him pass out, when, with the assist
ance of two men, he descended from theI
wagon, bidding goodbye to those within
t; and then, with firm step and erect form !
he strobe past jailor, sheriff, and officers,
md was the first person to mount the scat
old steps
There is no faltering in his step, butt
lrmly and erect he stands amid the almost
,raathess limos Of col1iary- +l.et .,,..,..o ,...d
lin. With graceful motion of his pin, J
oned right arm, he takes the slouched hat
rom his head, and carelessly casts it uponE
he platform by his side. The cap is drawn !
'ver his eyes, and the rope adjusted about J
lis neck. John Brown is ready to meet
lis God. 1
But what next9 The military have yet
o go through some senseless evolutions,s
md near ten minutes elapse before Gen.
raliaferro's chivalrous hosts are in theira
roper position, during which time John !
Brown stands with the cap drawn over his
lead, and the hangman's knot under his /
ar.
Each moment seems an hour, and some
f the people, unable to restrainan express
ion of their sense of the outrage, murmur
Shame y "Shame !"
At last Virginia's troops are arranged a
. mote.
captain Brown, you are not standingH
n the drop; will you come forward 2" said
be Sheriff
81 can't see, gentlemen" was the reply Il
on must lead me-"
The Sheriff led his prisoner forward to- 4
he centre of the drop.
'Shall [ give you handkerchief, and let {
gu drop it as a signal?" inquired the
herif
'"No, l am ready at any time; but don't
eep me waiting needlessly," was the re-
ly. i
A moment after, the Sheriff springs the
itch, the drop falls, and the body of John i
'rown is suspended between heaven and !:
arth. A few convulsive witches of the
rms are observed These cease after a
loment.
After the body had dangled in mid air &
n twenty minutes, it was examined by
lie surgeon for signs of life. First the &
harlestown physicians went up and made
leir examination, and after them the mill b
Try surgeons, the prisoner being executed
y the civil power and with military assist 3
nee as well. To see them lifting up the. B
rms, now powerless, that once were sol
rong, and placing their ears on the breastE
the corpse, holding it steady bv passingE