December 31, 1859
A complex letter to the Editor of the London News is included, from Hugo. Here are two sentences from that letter: “It is possible that the execution of Brown might consolidate slavery in Virginia, but it is certain that it would convulse the entire American Democracy. You preserve your shame, but you sacrifice your glory.”
December 30, 1859
A notice that there will be an additional edition of the paper, on December 31, which include some of the “immense mass of matter ” in regard to Harper’s Ferry and Brown.
December 16, 1859
This is the speech at Tremont Temple, December 2. “I do not rise, on this occasion, to define my position (laughter); that, I believe, Virginia and the south clearly understand, and I as clearly understand theirs. Between us there is an “irrepressible conflict”, (applause), and I am for carrying it on until it is finished in victory or in death. (renewed applause). For thirty years I have been endeavoring to effect, by peaceful, moral, and religious instrumentalities, the abolition of American slavery; and, if possible, I hate slavery thirty times more than I did than when I began, and I am thirty times more, if possible, an abolitionist of the most uncompromising character.” (Loud applause.)
In his speech, Garrison commends the character of Brown, comments on the mockery of the trial. “Was John Brown justified in his attempt? Yes, if Washington was in his; if Warren and Hancock were in theirs. If men are justified in striking a blow for freedom, when the question is one of a threepenny tax on tea, then, I say, they are a thousand times more justified, when it is to save fathers, mothers, wives and children from the slave-coffle and the auction-block, and to restore them to their God- given rights…..A word upon the subject of Peace. I am a non-resister — a believer in the inviolability of human life, under all circumstances; I, therefore, in the name of God, disarm John Brown, and every slave at the South. ….I disarm, in the name of God, every slaveholder and tyrant in the world…..yet, as a peace man – an ‘ultra’ peace man –I am prepared to say , ‘Suc- cess to every slave insurrection at the South, and in every slave country. And I do not see how I compromise or stain my peace profession in making that declaration. Whenever there is a contest between the oppressed and the oppressor, –the weapons being equal between the parties, — God knows that my heart must be with the oppressed, and always against the oppressor. Therefore, whenever commenced, I cannot but wish success to all slave insurrections. ….Rather than see men wearing their chains in a cowardly and servile spirit, I would, as an advocate of peace, much rather see them breaking the head of the tyrant with their chains. ….”
Included in this edition is the speech of Wendell Phillips, and others, and items about John Brown meetings on the Cape, in New Bedford, and elsewhere.
December 9, 1859
An account of the gathering at Tremont Temple, includes a description of pictures, emblems and mottoes suitable to the occasion, which adorned the hall, and includes parts of speeches made. Much of the edition is devoted to items about, response to Harper’s Ferry.
December 2, 1859
Notice of a meeting at Tremont Temple, and listing of speakers, on the occasion of the execution
November 25, 1859
A note indicates that Sumner has arrived at his home on Hancock Street. “He is in good health, and looking well, and was not injuriously affected by the sea voyage. Quite a number of his personal and political friends have called upon him. He will shortly proceed to Washington.”
November 25, 1859
An account of a gathering at Tremont Temple, “sympathizing with the family of John Brown in their poverty and distress”.
Included is a speech by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and this comment by the editor. “John Brown has, perhaps, a right to a place by the side of Moses, Joshua, Gideon and David; but he is not on the same plane with Jesus, Paul, Peter and John, the weapons of whose warfare were not carnal, though mighty to the pulling down of strong hands….”
November 18, 1859
From the Utica Herald comes notice that Smith is an inmate of the New York State Lunatic Asylum, “where it has been found necessary to place him on account of marked insanity….This result we hear attributed to the connection of Mr. Smith’s name with the Harper’s Ferry affair, though many will regard it as the consequence of long-seated and marked disease.”
November 11, 1859
“Thousands of hearts are throbbing with sympathy as warm as mine. I think of you night and day, bleeding in prison, surrounded by hostile faces, sustained only by trust in God and your own strong heart. I long to nurse you - to speak to you sisterly words of sympathy and consolation…..no honest man ever sheds blood for freedom in vain, however much he may be mistaken in his efforts. May God sustain you and carry your through whatsoever may be in store for you!”
November 11, 1859
In a lecture at Tremont Temple, Emerson referred to Brown: “The Saint, whose fate yet hangs in suspense, but whose martyrdom, if it shall be perfected, will make the gallows as glorious as the cross”.