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Announcement that the Spectator has received telegrpahed rumors of a slave insurrection at Harpers Ferry. Almost no details, thinks that the rumors may be somewhat exaggerated, and that it was a rebellion at the armory, not a slave insurrection.
Page 1
Expresses surprise over raid on Harper's Ferry, but then goes on to describe several armed insurrections of the past, as a means of restoring some confidence.
Account of John Brown's Pottawamie Raid, in Kansas in 1856, by one of the men who attempted to capture Brown. Brown is not brave, but treacherous.
Page 2
Spectator is apologizing for devoting so much space to John Brown and helping to contribute to his martyrdom. Calls for a more deliberate and impartial trial so that the North will not martyr Brown. Somewhat sarcastic tone.
Anger over treatment of Harper's ferry raid in Northern Press
Refutes Northern claims that Brown went crazy as a result of his mistreatment in Kansas.
Commentary on Harper's Ferry trial proceedings published elsewhere in the paper.
Account of the Harper's Ferry trial. 2 columns.
Report from Chambersburg. >Cook, one of Brown's co-conspirators captured in Chambersburg, and is awaiting extradition to Virginia. Biographical sketch of Cook.
Describes correspondence found in Brown's headquarters, including contributions from New England, Ohio etc.
Excerpt of letter sent from Charlestown to Baltimore American describing the faithfulness of the slaves even in the face of the insurrection.
Letter about the character of "Staunton beaux"--flirtatious young men of the area, and their lack of concern about weighty matters, like Harper's Ferry.
Brief article praising the conservative tone of most press coverage of Harper's Ferry, North and South. Hope that the incident will destroy the Republican party.
5-6 more short pieces re: Harper's Ferry, mostly about the other (i. e. not Brown) conspirators. Apology from editors for not printing other submissions.
Page 2
Editorial about John Brown's trial
Harpers Ferry has increased political tensions, so Unionists, especially in the North will be watching the opposition convention very closely
More about the Harper's Ferry Trial
Exchange of letters between Lydia Maria Child and Gov. Wise. Child wants a letter given to John Brown, and to be allowed to come nurse him. Wise sees no problem with that, "Virginia and Massachusetts are involved in no civil war...."
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Several more short articles relating to John Brown, including another one about Mrs. Child.
Note: The electronic edition of this paper is missing pages 1 and 2
Page 3>
Post-trial excitement, crowding in Charlestown.
Page 2
West Augusta guard summoned to Charlestown on 11/19, fears of another insurrection or riot; reports of various rumors and scares in Charlestown and Harpers Ferry. Everyone seems a little jumpy.
Series of dispatches from Harpers Ferry and Washington about possible insurrections stemming from John Brown. People are really on edge.
Details of the arrest of another Harpers Ferry conspirator, Dr. William A. Palmer, in Memphis.
Report on Northern opinion of John Brown and raid, claiming that the majority of people are not so sympathetic as their leaders make them out to be. Well received by the Spectator.
Page 1
Sketches of the prosecuting attorneys and judge in the John Brown Trial, as written by a correspondent for the New York Tribune.
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Criticism of an article in the Lockport Chronicle that advocated commuting Brown's death sentence.
Article mocking Northern press coverage of Southern fears of insurrection. Author claims that Southerners sleep soundly, secure in the knowledge that "Cuffee" would not rise up against them. Also confident that slavery was ordained by God.
Cadets from VMI, the West Augusta Guard and Mountain Guard, of Spring Hill, all ordered to Charlestown on 11/26 (Saturday). Fear that the prisoners will escape/be rescued.
Formation of a new military company, the Staunton Artillery, with a list of officers.
>Letter from Charlestown, describing the goings on there, including Wise's visit, various rumors and scares.
Report of Town Meeting for Staunton, including text of resolutions adopted re Harpers Ferry. Condemns the raid as the work of Seward and his party, praises Gov. Wise, promises that they will fight to defend their state, and plans to raise money to better equip local militia.
Report of County meeting held 11/28. Similar to Town meeting above--resolutions re: Harper's Ferry, endorsing young men's desire to form militia companies. Decries "spilling of Virgina blood upon Virginia soil."
Another meeting in response to Harper's Ferry, pledge to protect Virginia, approval of Wise and of Georgia resolution of support.
Report that the Albany Argus has criticised Wise's treatment of John Brown.
Rumors that over 2,000 Northerners are planning to attend tJohn Brown's execution.
Quotes from the New York Observer, complaining that placing a bounty on the head of Giddings, one of the conspirators, fans the fires of sectional controversy.
Page 2
Article about meetings of John Brown sympathizers in the North, emphasizing his martyrdom.
Claims that slavery is better for blacks, and that they actually prefer it to freedom in the North. Cites anecdotes, including a quote from Henry Ward Beecher about the poor treatment freed slaves receive in the North. Slaveholder as "best friend of the negro," because of "ties of genuine friendship and affection between whites and blacks."
Excerpt from Charleston Mercury article complaining about the deification of Brown, but praising the rise of sectionalism and disunion sentiment in Virginia.
Official Dispatch from Charlestown, describing John Brown's execution
Report of meeting of State Opposition party, recommending postponing the Convention until February, as people might be unwilling to travel, given all of the upheaval surrounding Harper's Ferry.
Remarks on how few Northern ministers have been preaching in support of John Brown
Report of Mrs. Brown's visit to her husband, prior to his death.
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Final annual message from Gov. Wise. Deals with slavery, Harpers Ferry, etc. Worried about endurance of slavery in border states Very long-- 5.5 columns. Right column is so dark, almost unreadable.
Page 2
Report on Congressional debates over slavery, inspired by both Harper's Ferry and Helper's Impending Crisis.
Page 3
Account of West Augusta Guard's trip to Washington and Charlestown, including Brown's execution.
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Speech of Everett's on importance of Union, need for moderation, compromise both North and South. Very long (3+ cols.), touches on major issues: Harper's Ferry, African slave trade.
Page 2
What should VA do in wake of Harper's Ferry and obvious growing Northern abolitionism. Also, what should the Southern Opposition do?
Return of West Augusta Guard from Charlestown and dinner held in their honor. Also return of the Mountain Guard.
Account of executions at Charlestown of Harper's Ferry conspirators.