John Brown And The Raid That Sparked The Civil War
Brown had a similar effect on a second, larger set of interrogators at the paymaster’s office. This time, the audience included Robert E. Lee, Jeb Stuart, Lewis Washington, and three proslavery congressmen. Among the latter was Senator James Mason of Virginia, who had drafted the Fugitive Slave Act. Also present were several journalists for pro-southern papers who took note of Brown’s extraordiary manner.
“No sign of weakness was exhibited,” reported the Baltimore American, even though he lay smeared with blood, “in the midst of enemies, whose homes he had invaded; wounded, and a prisoner; surrounded by a small army of officials, and a more desperate army of angry men; with the gallows staring him full in the face.”
The reporters gave a verbatim transcript of the questioning, which was initially led by Senator Mason and, despite Brown’s weakened condition, lasted three hours. Typical was the following exchange:
SEN. MASON — How do you justify your acts?
BROWN — I think, my friend, you are guilty of a great wrong against God and humanity. I say that without wishing to be offensive. It would be perfectly right for any one to interfere with you, so far as to free those you willfully and wickedly hold in bondage. I do not say this insultingly.
MR. MASON — I understand that.
BROWN — I think I did right, and that others will do right who interfere with you at any time, and all times. I hold that the golden rule, do unto others as you would that others should do unto you, applies to all who would help others to gain their liberty.
— Tony Horwitz