The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-22
OLD JOHN BROWN.
A Southern View of the Harper's Ferry Raid
-COnversatiOn with the Did Hero.

-COnVersatiOn with the Old Hero.
Ex-Congressman Alexander R. Boteler
gives, in the July Century, his "Recollec-
lions OF the John Brown Raid" his strong
~pro-Southern views being answered in the
same number by Frank B. Sanborn, one of
the group of New England Abolitionists who
aided Brown. Mr.. Boteler repeats the follow
ing conversation which he had with the
WOUNDED hero Immediately after his capture.
within the engine-house one of Browns
party was found lying dead on the floor, and
another Watson BROWN was stretched out
Oh a bench atthe right-band side of the door,
and seemed to be in a dying condition. John
Brown himself had been brought out and
was then lying on the grass; but so great was
the curiosity to see him that the soldiers
found some difficulty in keeping back the
crowd, and Colonel Lee consequently had
him removed to a room in an adjoinil g
building, strictly guarded by sentine.s,
where, shortly afterward. | had an inter
view with him, the particulars of which
have remained distinctly impressed upon my
memory.
"On entering the room where he was I
found him alone, lying on the foor on his
left side, and with his back turned toward
me. The right side of his face was smeared
with blood from the sword-cut on his head,
causing his grim and grizzly countenarc CO to
look like that OF some aboriginal savage with
his war-paint on. Approaching him, l be gan
the conversation with the inquiry:
Captain Brown, are you hurt anywhere
except on your headP
Yes, in my side-here,' said he, indi-
eating the place with his hand.
u then told him that a surgeon would be
in presently to attend to his wounds, and
expressed the hope that they were not very
serious. Thereupon he asked me who 1 was.
and on giving him my name he muttered as
If speaking to himself:
Yes, yes-I know now-member of Con-
gress-this district
81 then asked the questions:
Captain, what brought you here?'
To free your slaves was the reply.
How did you expect TO accomplish it
with the small force you brought with your
- expected help said he.
Where, whence, and from whom, Cap
tain, did you expect it?'
Here, and from elsewhere he answered.
ID you expect to get assistance from
whites here as well as from the blacks? was
my next question.
60 did, he replied.
Then said 1, you have been disappoint-
ed in not getting it from either
Yes, he muttered, L haye-been-dis-
Il then asked him who planned bis move
ment on Harper's Ferry, to which he replied:
L planned it all myself and upon my re.
marking that it was a sad affair for him and
the country, and that | trusted no one would
follow his example by undertaking a similar
raid, he made no response. next inquired
if he had any family besides the sons who
had accompanied him IN this incursion, to
which he replied by telling me he had a wife
and children in the State OF New York at
North Elba, and on my then asking if he
would like to write to them and let them
know how he was, he quickly responded:
Ives, l would like to send them a letter.
every we'll, said !, you will doubtless
be permitted to do so. But, Captain, I
added, probably you understand that, being
in the hands of the civil authorities of the
State, your letters will have to be seen by
them before they can be sent
Certainly said he.
""Then, with that understanding cons
tinued l, there will, I'm sure, be no objec-
tons to your writing home; and although I
mysely have no authority in the premises, |
promise to do what 1 can to have your wishes
in that respect complied with
THANK you, thank you, sir said he, re-
peating his acknowledgment for the proffered
favor, and, for the first time, turning his face
toward me,
"In my desire to hear him distinctly 1 had
placed myself by his side, with one knee rest
ing on the floor, SO that, when he turned. 1t
brought his face quite close to mine, and L
remember well the earnest gaze of the gray
eyes that looked straight into mine. 1 then
remarked:
Captain, we too have wives and children.
This attempt of yours to interfere with our
slaves has created great excitement, and
naturally causes anxiety on account of our
families. Now let me ask you: Is this fall
ure of yours likely to be followed by similar
attempts to create disaffection among our
servants and bringn upon our homes the hor-
rors of a Servile war? .se .stf.
Thine will show was his significant re-
ply. veu FL.
Just then a Catholic priest appeared at
the door of the room. He had been adininis-
tering the last consultations of religion to
Quinn, the marine, who was dying in the adj
joining office; and the moment Brown saw
him he became violently angry and plainly
showed, by the expression of his countc-
nance, how capable he was of feeling hatred,
malice, and all uncharitableness.'
"NGo out of here-I don want you about
me-go outR was the salutation he gave the
priest, who, bowling gravely, Immediately re.
tired. Whereupon l arose from the floor,
and bidding Brown good-morning. likewise
left him."
Gunaat Nnv UaIIa IN Vi%tIa