Primary Sources

"Address of John Brown to the Virginia Court." The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American

History. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, May 2009. Web. 08 Oct. 2013. <

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/collections/ed95cc2b-c74b-4394-8646-657461155140?

back=/mweb/search? needle=harpers+ferry%26fields=all>.

This source was additional help to find what led to the government’s decision of Brown’s

execution on December 2, 1859. This was an address by Brown to the court as a form of last

remarks toward the court; Brown stated that “it was not his intention to murder, treason, or the

destruction of…” Being that Brown knew that no matter what he said would never change the

court’s mind, before his death stated “ I feel entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received

in this trial”, to express that no matter what, Brown felt as though he had done the right thing.

Annie Brown, daughter of John Brown, circa 1859. 1859. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0002.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Annie Brown was rarely mentioned in John Brown history like most of his family. Yet,

this is unique because Annie Brown was asked to accompany her father at the Kennedy Farm

house, so that Brown was able to disguise himself as a normal resident.

Brown, John. Letter to Mary Ann Brown. 31 Oct. 1859. MS. N.p<

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsms02-0044.html.>

This was especially helpful because it gave John Brown’s perspective after the failed

attempt on Harper's Ferry; it tells of how both he and his sons were and how felt of the outcome.

The letter is written to Mary Ann Brown or “Dear Wife, gives details after his attempt on the raid

on Harpers Ferry, Virginia. He tells Mary Ann that “we” meaning him and his army (including

their sons) states of how his sons dies along that he was to be hanged on December 2nd and

despite that he was still cheery and he wished that blessings on all family, as he signed it J

Brown.

Brown, John. "John Brown to Mrs. George L. Stearns." Letter. 29 Nov. 1859. Boyd B. Stuler

Collection, Web. 08 Oct. 2013.

This is a source that was directly from Brown to Mrs. George L. Stearns, “a dear friend”

of his. According to the letter, she wrote him a letter that made him happier than any letter he

had ever received since his incarceration. Brown stated that there was not that much time for him

to talk but he wishes her well. Also, he states that his dream to help “poor slave boys’ and girls’

would continue until slavery was over. This source was useful because it shows that Brown was

very determined in abolishing slavery forever, and his friend was a great supporter of his

movement.

Crayon, Porte. “The Arraignment”. 1959. Photograph. Harpers Weekly, Harpers Ferry Virginia.

Print.

This picture was drawn the days after John Brown last remarks made to the Virginia

court as a plea of his innocence. In the photo, published in the Harpers Weekly, is John Brown

and what seems to some of the men that fought with him at Harpers Ferry walking through a

crowd to receive sentence. This was a unique source because it gave a personal insight of what

the day of John Brown sentence was like, which can help us connect his emotions on that day

with the letter he wrote.

Curry, John Steuart. The Trial of John Brown. 1938-40. Oil. Topeka, KS<

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/johnbrown/brownhome.html>.

This is a painting by John Steuart Curry featuring Brown. The painting portrayed Brown

as a messenger from God. It shows Brown's image by showing his large figure. In one hand,

Brown is holding a Bible and a rifle to show his good side, and his rifle shows his violent

methods. The background, on the other hand, shows pioneers with their carriage, and the tornado

showing the destruction of the Civil War. It also states that the painting is located at the Kansas

statehouse.

Ellen Brown, daughter of John Brown, circa 1863. 1863. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0004.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Ellen Brown was one of the lesser known children of John Brown. She was a child of

Mary Ann Brown, this picture was taken in 1863 four years after her father’s execution. This is

unique because there are not many articles that mention Brown’s children (especially the

females).

Ferrotype of John Brown Jr. in the 1840's. 1840s. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0011.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

This was a photo of John Brown Jr. a son of Dianthe Lusk. This was a unique add in

because John Brown Jr. was one of the sons that would accompany John Brown in his actions in

Bleeding Kansas. John Brown Jr. was one of the five sons that would encourage their father to

come to Kansas. Also, in a letter written by John Brown, Jr was used a communication from

Mary Ann and the children to John Brown and his sons.

Hovendens, Thomas. “Last moments of John Brown”.1885. Panting. Civil War America 1850 to

1875. Pierpont Morgan library, NY. Print.

This was a painting done in 1885 by Thomas Hovendens that illustrates John Brown

walking down from the court room and kissing a small African American baby in its mother’s

arm. This was a useful source because it showed how Brown was depicted to many and the

reason why he did what he did.

Jason Brown, son of John Brown, as an older man. Late 1800's. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0010.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Jason Brown was one of the children that were mentioned but not as often as others.

Jason in this photograph was an older man yet he was not this age when he was assisted by his

father in the raid at Harpers Ferry. This picture was unique because many pictures of Brown’s

children were young when the picture was taken and some never made it to adulthood.

John Brown in Kansas, cicra 1856. 1856. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph01-0016.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

This is a photograph of John Brown, showing him in Kansas. This is significant because

Brown was a major influence in Kansas decision to become a Slave or Free State. By 1856, John

Brown had already committed the Pottawamie Massacre and fought many battles in Bleeding

Kansas against those who were pro-slavery.

"John Brown's Letters to His Wife, Mary Ann Brown, from the Prison in Charles Town." Web.

09 Oct. 2013<

http://www.law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrails/johnbrown/brownprisonletters.html>

This website contains John Brown's last letter to his wife, and family written in

November 30, 1859. He states that might be his last letter. The letter indicates that he is waiting

for his execution as he states "with great composure of mind and cheerfulness,” It also states

Brown's belief in God's mercy on himself and punishment over the people. He tells his family

not to feel ashamed and their dedication on to God and their lives. This resource is unique

because it shows that Brown was proud about what he did and he wasn't upset about his plan

being carried on.

"Letter, John Brown to Mary Ann Brown, August 2, 1859." Letter, John Brown to Mary Ann

Brown, August 2, 1859.N.p., 2 Aug. 1859. Web. 08 Oct. 2013.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsms02-0040.html

This picture shows a letter sent from John Brown to his wife and children. He explains

his plan is going along. He also tells them not to say a word and the situation that other people

were trying to avoid. He also states that he was trying to find certain individuals to help him with

the raid. He also states that they shouldn't worry and he will accomplish his goal at the end. This

is important because it tells us about John Brown's close relationship with his family.

"John Brown's Letters to His Wife, Mary Day Brown, from The Prison in Charles Town."

Web. 09 Oct. 2013

< http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/johnbrown/brownprisonletters.html>.

This website contains John Brown's last letter to his wife, and family written by

November 30, 1859. He states that might be his last letter. The letter indicates that he is waiting

for his execution as he states "with great composure of mind and cheerfulness...”It also states

Brown's believe in God’s mercy on himself and punishment over the people. He tells his family

not to feel ashamed and their dedication on to God and their lives. This resource is unique

because it shows that Brown was proud about what he did and he wasn’t upset about his plan

being carried on.

"John Brown and the Fugitive Slave Law." John Brown and the Fugitive Slave Law. West

Virginia Division of Culture and History, Mar. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2013.

<http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/oldsouthbrownletter.html>.

This website has an article of John Brown's trial on November 15, 1859. It shows the

court hearing and John Brown's testimony stating that he is not guilty of treason, and he didn’t

plan on starting a rebellion. It also shows Judge Parker, Brown's prosecutor was examining every

bit of information to find him guilty. Even though Brown's accusation didn't have much as

evidence, it is stated on the article that the execution date was set on the December 2nd, 1859.

The source is useful because it shows that there were very understandable reasons that the Court

of Appeals had changed rules.

Lee, Robert E. "Report Concerning the Attack at Harper's Ferry." Civil War Trust. Civil War

Trust, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013< http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/john-brown-150/lee-

report-concerning-the-attack.html>.

This was a response from Colonel Robert E. Lee on the attack. He is giving his review of

the attack from where he stands. He tells us the different events of the night before. He starts off

by saying that he was stationed there and he witnessed what happened. This gives us a view from

someone who was actually there when it happened and can give accurate yet somewhat bias

details.

Letter, John Brown to Mary Ann Brown, August 2, 1859." Letter, John Brown to Mary

Ann Brown, August 2, 1859. N.P., 2 Aug. 1859. Web. 08 Oct. 2013.<

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsms02-0040.html>.

This picture shows a letter sent from John Brown to his wife and children. He explains

his plan is going along. He also tells them to not say a word and the situation that the other

people were trying to avoid. He also states that he was trying to find certain individuals to help

him with the raid. He also states that they shouldn’t worry and he will accomplish his goal at the

end. This is important because it tells us about Brown’s close relationship with his family.

Linder, Douglas O. "The Life and Trial of John Brown: A Commentary." The Life and Trial of

John Brown: A Commentary. Law2.umkc.edu, 2005. Web. 02 Dec. 2013

<http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/johnbrown/brownaccount.html>.

This is a useful source because it gives us a detailed glimpse into his life without

divulging everything. This cite gives us the important information that may not be seen on other

sites. It gives us a glimpse into every aspect of his life; from his childhood, to when he became a

stronger abolitionist, to the raid on Harpers Ferry, to his trial, all the way to his execution.

Mary Ann Brown with daughters Annie and Sarah, circa 1851. 1851. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0015.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

This picture is very common when researching his family. In 1851, Brown and his sons

were not yet in Kansas because the Kansas- Nebraska Act was not passed until 1854. Brown has

just created the League of Giladites while his family was living in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Owen Brown, father of John Brown. N.d. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0025.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

This was a photograph of John Brown’s father Owen Brown. Even though mentioned

very little in the history of John Brown, his father was an abolitionist who led Brown on the path

to do the dame. As well as being an influence on Brown’s decision, Owen Brown also was

involved in many anti-slave acts with his son including: harboring slaves, and helping slaves in

the Underground Railroad.

Oliver Brown, son of John Brown. N.d. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0022.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Oliver Brown was also one of Brown’s sons that be accompanied him in both the raid on

the Harper's Ferry Arsenal and in battles in Kansas. Oliver Brown would be one the sons who

moved to Kansas and be one of the two sons killed in the raid at age 19. This was important to

include giving a visual of those involved in the raid.

Oliver and Martha Brewster Brown. N.d. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0023.html.Web. 9 Dec 2013.

Oliver Brown was John Brown’s son who would accompany him in Bleeding Kansas and

the raid on Harper's Ferry. Martha Brown his wife would be used to help John Brown disguise as

normal while at the Kennedy Farmhouse. In a letter written in October 8th, 1859 John Brown

states that he wished for Martha to have a home as well as feel comfortable with Brown’s family.

Owen Brown, son of John Brown. 1800s. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0027.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Another son of John Brown is Owen Brown a son of Dianthe Lusk. Brown at age 34

would be with his father, brothers and 18 others at the raid. Unlike many others in the raid, Owen

was the only one to escape the outcome of the raid. This was important to add in to show one of

the only survivors of the raid as well as being the only one who escaped.

Ruth Brown Thompson, daughter of John Brown, as an older woman. N.d. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0048.html, Pasedna, CA. Web. 9

Dec 2013.

Ruth Brown Thompson was John Brown’s eldest daughter, which was rarely ever

mentioned. Ruth was the child of Dianthe Lusk and one of the only children who made it to adult

hood. This was unique because Ruth Brown is not mentioned in many articles.

Salmon Brown, son of John Brown, as a young man. 1800's. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0032.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Salmon Brown was a son of Mary Ann Brown and John Brown. Salmon Brown was not

involved in the raid on Harpers Ferry yet, he was included in the 5 sons that moved to Kansas in

an effort to make it free. This was important because it gives visual of those involved with

Brown during his time in Kansas.

Sarah Brown, daughter of John Brown, in 1882. 1882. Photograph. Sarah Brown,

daughter of John Brown, in1882. 1882. Photograph. n.p. Web. 9 Dec 2013. Web. 9 Dec 2013.

Sarah Brown was a lesser known child of John and Mary Ann Brown. Sarah was seen in

another common picture with her sister Annie and her mother. This was unique because,

majority of the children mentioned had an involvement in either the planning of Harper's Ferry,

the attack itself, or Brown in bleeding Kansas.

Watson Brown, son of John Brown. N.d. Photograph.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/jbexhibit/bbsph02-0038.htmlWeb. 9 Dec 2013.

Watson Brown was one of the children that are mentioned quite often because he was

involved in both of his father’s major attempts to rid of slavery. Watson would be one of the two

son killed in the raid in Harper's Ferry. This was important to show who was involved and who

was killed in the war.