I have another objection; and that is, it is unjust that I should suffer such a penalty. Had I interfered in the manner which I admit, and which I admit has been fairly proved (for I admire the truthfulness and candor of the greater portion of the witnesses who have testified in this case)--had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in behalf of any of their friends--either father, mother, brother, sister, wife, or children, or any of that class--and suffered and sacrificed what I have in this interference, it would have been all right; and every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment. This court acknowledges, as I suppose, the validity of the law of God. I see a book kissed here which I suppose to be the Bible, or at least the New Testament. That teaches me that all things whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them. It teaches me, further, to "remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." I endeavored to act up to that instruction. I say I am yet too young to understand that God is any respecter of persons. I believe that to have interfered as I have done--as I have always freely admitted I have done--in behalf of His despised poor was not wrong, but right. Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments--I submit; so let it be done! Let me say one word further. I feel entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Considering all the circumstances it has been more generous than I expected. But I feel no consciousness of guilt. I have stated that from the first what was my intention and what was not. I never had any design against the life of any person, nor any disposition to commit treason, or excite slaves to rebel, or make any general insurrection. I never encouraged any man to do so, but always discouraged any idea of that kind. Let me say also a word in regard to the statements made by some of those connected with me. I her it has been stated by some of them that I have induced them to join me. But the contrary is true. I do not say this to injure them, but as regretting their weakness. There is not one of them but joined me of his own accord, and the greater part of them at their own expense. A number of them I never saw, and never had a word of conversation with till the day they came to me; and that was for the purpose I have stated. Now I have done. John
Brown's Other Statements at his Trial
Opening remarks of John Brown to the
Virginia
Court, October 27, 1859
Virginians,
I did not ask for any quarter at the time I was taken. I did not ask to
have my
life spared. The Governor of the State of Virginia tendered me his
assurance
that I should have a fair trial; but, under no circumstances
whatever, will I
be able to have a fair trial. If you seek my blood, you can have it at
any
moment, without this mockery of a trial. I have had no counsel. I have
not been
able to advise with anyone. I know nothing about the feelings of my
fellow-prisoners, and am utterly unable to attend in any way to my own
defense.
My memory don't serve me. My health is insufficient, though
improving. There
are mitigating circumstances that I would urge in our favor, if a fair
trial is
to be allowed us. But if we are to be forced with a mere form-a trial
for
execution-you might spare yourselves that trouble. I am ready for my
fate. I do
not ask for a trial. I beg for no mockery of a trial-no
insult-nothing but
that which conscience gives, or cowardice would drive to practice. I
ask again
to be excused from the mockery of a trial. . . . I have now little
further to
ask, other than that I may not be foolishly insulted, only as
cowardly
barbarians insult those who fall into their power.
John
Brown's request for a delay I
do not intend to detain the court, but barely wish to say, as I have
been
promised a fair trial, that I am not in circumstances that enable me to
attend
a trial, owing to the state of my health. I have a severe wound in the
back, or
rather in one kidney, which enfeebles me very much. But I am doing
well, and I
only ask for a very short delay in my trial, and I may be able to
listen to it;
and I merely ask this that, as the saying is "the devil may have his
dues," no more. I wish to say further that my hearing is impaired and rendered
indistinct in consequence of wounds I have about my head. I
cannot hear
distinctly at all; I could not hear what the Court has said this
morning. I
would be glad to hear what is said on my trial, and am now doing better
than I
could expect to be under the circumstances. A very short delay would be
all I
ask. I do not presume to ask more than a very short delay, so that I
may in
some degree recover, and be able to [at] least listen to my trial,
and hear
what questions are asked of the citizens, and what their answers are.
If that
could be allowed me, I should be very much obliged. John Brown's response to claims of his
insanity |