Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-10-29
Proceedings of Friday.


CHARLEsTowN, Va, Oct 28.-George H.
Hoyt Of Boston, arrived here to-day as coun-
sci for Brown, who still keeps his bed. Mr..
Bolts announced the arrival of Mr.. HOyt to
assist in the defence, in case his services were
needed, and, at the suggestion Of MIR. Hunter,
he was admitted as counsel.
Mr.. Hunter proposed to prove Browns hand
writing, when the prisoner offered to identify
it himself He was ready, he said, TO face the
music; but Hunter preferred proving 1t by
Sheriff Campbell who was accordingly called
and identified large bundle of letters, Brown
also acknowledged their authenticity. Hunter
also presented list of Members of Conven-
ton, headed Mr.. Charles Morris, president
and NJ. Rage, secretary, and likewise read the
Giddings and Gerrit Smith letters already
published.
Armistead Ball, master machinist of the
armory was then examined. The substance of
his testimony has been already published.
John Sworn, one OF the prisoners held by
Brown, testified to the manner in Which he and
his seven slaves were made prisoners and ia
ken to Harpers Ferry Pixies were put into
the hands of the negroes. Brown subsequent
ly offered to release both him and Mr. Wash
ington if they would furnish two negroes to
take their places. The witness also gave
narrative OF the conflict, and expressed the con-
viction that the marine who fell was killed by
a ball from Browns rifle
Alex. Kelley, who was with Burley. when
the latter shot, and Albert GrieSt, were
next examined but no new facts were elected.
All the witnesses thus far have testified to
Browns anxiety to avoid shedding blood need
lessly
Henry Hunter (colored) and Lewis Starry,
gave important testimony, and the prosecution
rested their case.
The defence called Joseph A. Brewer, one
of the prisoners in the enginehouse, who tes-
titled that he was sent several times by Brown
to request citizens not to shoot as the lives of
prisoners were endangered. Negotiations were
going on between Brown and the prisoners
before general firing commenced. Brown pro-
posed that he should retain possession of what
he had, including the armory and negroes.
Washington and all seemed to acquiesce. Coss
was sent to confer with Beckham and others.
A guard who went were fired on. After that
Stevens wanted to shoot but Miller appealed
to him and they both went out together to
stop the firing, when they did not return
Brown seemed to show temper and there was
a change in the arrangement. After that
Brown said he had it in his power to destroy
the place in halt an hour, but he would not
unless resisted. Think shot from the water
tank struck Coppie he then returned the fire,
and some one said that mans down.
A M. Kitynuler testified that at the request
of Brown he went out to use his influence to
prevent unnecessary shedding of blood.
Jas. Beller was the next witness. Mr..
Green stated that he desired to bring out
testimony relative to the shooting of Thomp-
son, one OF the insurgents, on the bridge, but
the state objected to it unless Brown had
knowledge of that shooting.
Mr.. Hunter said there was deal of tes-
timony about Browns forbearance and his not
shooting the citizens, which had no more to do
with the case than the dead languages.
The court said these fact are part of the res
gestdl, and the evidence is admissible.
Mr. Hunter called after Mr.. Beckham, who
said: saw my grand-uncle was shot; was
much eXasperated, and started with Mr.. Cham"
bers to the room where the second Thompson
was confined, with the view Of shooting him.
We found several in the room, and had leveled
our guns at him when Mr.. Foulle's sister
threw herself before him and begged us to
leave him to the laws We then caught hold
of him and dragged him out by the throat, he
saying, though you may take my life, 80,000,-
00OO00 will rise up to avenge me, and carry
out my purpose Of giving liberty to slaves.
We carried him out at the bridge, and two of
us leveled our guns, and i'll a moment of wild
evaporation, fired, and before he fell, dozen
or more balls were fired into him. We then
threw his body over the treStle work, and re-
turned to the bridge to bring out Stevens and
serve him in the same way. We found him
suffering from wounds and probably dying.