Published for the Members and Friends IN THIS ISSUE: of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association Sesquicentennial Summer 2009 Schedule of Events 2009 Don Redman Heritage Concert New John Brown Registration Open for John Book by Brian Brown Academic Symposium McGinty The Event A Fellow in Law and the Humanities at The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harvard Law School, Dr. Finkelman re- along with other partners, is hosting John ceived his Ph.D. and M.A. from the Uni- Brown Remembered, a multidisciplinary versity of Chicago. Prior to accepting a academic symposium on John Brown and position at Albany Law School in 2006, he his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. The four day had been Chapman Distinguished Professor symposium will be held at the Stephen T. of Law at the University of Tulsa College Mather Training Center in Harpers Ferry, of Law since 1999. Dr. Finkelman has also 1859 Raid held chairs at the University of Akron Law WV, from October 14 to 17, culminating on on Harpers Ferry the 150th anniversary of the raid. School, Cleveland-Marshall Law School and the University of Miami, and has taught The symposium promises to stimulate new at Hamline Law School, Chicago-Kent Col- and diverse academic research, scholarship, lege of Law, Brooklyn Law School and the and debate. Sponsors include Penn State University of Texas at Austin. His work on University, Mont Alto Campus, the Harpers legal history and constitutional law has been Ferry Historical Association, the Jefferson cited by numerous courts and in many ap- County NAACP, the National Parks Con- pellate briefs. He was a key expert witness in servation Association, and the John Brown the Alabama Ten Commandments monu- Heritage Association. This project is being ment case. presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a Dr. David W. Blight is a Class of 1954 state affiliate of the National Endowment Professor of American History at Yale Uni- for the Humanities. Any views, findings, versity. He previously taught at Amherst conclusions or recommendations expressed College for thirteen years. As of June 2004, in this program do not necessarily represent he is Director of the Gilder Lehrman Center those of the National Endowment for the for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Humanities. Abolition at Yale. Dr. Blight was a fellow at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center The Keynote Speakers for Writers and Scholars, New York Public A specialist in American legal history, race Library. and the law, Dr. Paul Finkelman is a key The picture which appears on our newsletter’s nameplate, Dr. Blight is the author, editor, or co-editor organizer of the symposium and will help dating from 1803, is one of the chair the symposium review committee. Dr. of several books. His awards include the oldest prints of Harpers Ferry. Finkelman is the author of more than 100 Bancroft Prize, the Abraham Lincoln Prize, Twenty years earlier, in 1783, scholarly articles and more than 20 books. and the Prize as well Thomas Jefferson had declared He is an expert in areas such as the law of as four awards from the Organization of that this view was “worth a slavery, constitutional law, and legal issues American Historians, including the Merle voyage across the Atlantic.” surrounding baseball. Curti prizes for both intellectual and social continued on page 2  1 Armory John Brown Symposium clude the role Frederick Douglass played, Superintendent Continued from Page 1 the abolition movement in Kansas, John Members history. He frequently reviews books for the Brown’s men, the effect of his raid on the Jo (Kuhn) Curtis Washington Post Book World, the Chicago 1860 election, South Carolina’s and (West) In memory of Jim Kuhn Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Virginia’s responses, Brown’s effect on Brandywine, MD Globe and other newspapers, and has written African-Americans, the religious and po- Dr. Robert Johnson many articles on abolitionism, American litical impact of his raid, the trial, and the Harpers Ferry, WV historical memory, and African-American problems of adapting John Brown’s story to Ronald Jones intellectual and cultural history. Dr. Blight the big screen. Presenters will also examine Our Lady of Sorrows lectures widely on Frederick Douglass, W. E. the women connected to Brown, including School B. Du Bois, and problems in public history his wife, Mary Ann Day Brown, his daugh- Farmington, MI and American historical memory. ter, Annie Brown Adams, and even Julia Ward Howe. The women in his life will also Paymaster Members A respected historian of the black American be discussed by a direct descendent of John Jim and Suzanne Silvia experience, Dr. Spencer R. Crew’s innova- Brown. Taunton, MA & Harpers tive museum exhibits have brought new Ferry, WV life to American history. He is perhaps best Some of the colleges and universities rep- Maureen Weber known for his study of the Great Migra- resented include Columbia University, Falling Waters, WV tion—the massive movement of Southern the University of South Carolina, Howard blacks to Northern cities in the early twen- University, the University of Kansas, and Master Armorer tieth century. the University of Tuebingen, Germany. Members Each session will be one hour and 15 min- Allison Alsdorf A 1971 graduate of Brown University, utes in length with three presenters, each Harpers Ferry, WV Dr. Crew taught history while earning giving 20 minute presentations, followed by Kirk Bradley his doctorate from Rutgers University in a 15 minute question and answer period. For Sanford, NC 1979. After teaching African-American most session periods, there may be two, and Donald and Patricia Burgess and American history for more than seven possibly three, concurrent presentations. Harpers Ferry, WV years, Dr. Crew became an historian for the Hon. and Mrs. Thomas Smithsonian Institution National Museum The Field Trips Curtis and Family of American History (NMAH). In 1987, Several activities outside of the Mather Baltimore, MD he developed his first major exhibit for the Training Center are planned for the sympo- Peter Dessauer NMAH and wrote the accompanying book, sium. On Wednesday, October 14, a Park Harpers Ferry, WV Ranger guided program will take place in Kim and Frank Edwards Field to Factory: Afro-American Migration the Lower Town district of Harpers Ferry. Edgewood, MD 1915-1944, which inspired films, symposia, Wayne Hammond and several new books. In 1994, he became Participants will see key landmarks where Saxton, PA the first black director of the NMAH which the raid unfolded between the now peaceful Bruce Kramer he held until 2001 when Dr. Crew left the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. A recep- Baltimore, MD Smithsonian to become executive direc- tion at the Harpers Ferry Historical Associa- Anne A. Long tor and CEO of the National Underground tion Park Bookshop will follow the guided Myersville, MD Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, tour. Cynthia K. Mason Ohio. Baltimore, MD Thursday, October 15, will include a guided Linda Parks In 2007, Dr. Crew joined the staff of George tour of Charles Town, West Virginia. Par- Washington, DC Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, where ticipants will visit the Jefferson County George Rutherford he is currently a Clarence J. Robinson pro- Historical Museum, the John Brown gallows Ranson, WV fessor of American, African-American and site, and tour the John Blessing house. In Steven and Barnette Savitz Public History. His plenary presentation will 1859, John Frederick Blessing ran a bakery Teaneck, NJ focus on John Brown, the abolitionist. and confectionery in Charles Town and Karen, Terry, and Josh Willis frequently visited Brown in jail. Before his Chestertown, MD The Papers execution Brown inscribed Blessing’s bible Scholars and historians from seventeen with “best wishes…and sincere thanks for states and Germany will be presenting many acts of kindness.” Blessing later served fifty-nine papers in concurrent sessions in the Confederate Quartermaster Depart- at the symposium. Diverse topics will in- ment during the Civil War. 2  Recent Donations Mark Elrod and Judy Foulke Germantown, MD Pat Rissler Charles Town, WV Pikeside Lions Club Martinsburg, WV

Note of Appreciation The Association would like to thank all of the past members who “came back to the Ferry” in 2009, and all of the members who have Dr. Paul Finkelman will deliver Dr. David Blight will present a Dr. Spencer Crew will deliver continually supported us a plenary presentation on John plenary talk on John Brown’s role a plenary presentation on John through the years. Brown’s role as a martyr. as a catalyst for the Civil War. Brown, the abolitionist.

That evening, a lecture on the trial of John be made at the marker that designates the Brown will be given by author and legal his- location of raider John Cook’s capture, the torian Brian McGinty at the Charles Town house of slave catcher Dan Logan (who cap- courthouse where the trial actually took tured Cook), and the house of Hiram Wertz, place. McGinty is the author of Lincoln and a conductor on the Underground Railroad the Court (Harvard University Press, 2008) who unknowingly transported raider Al- which examines major Civil War Supreme bert Hazlett to Chambersburg. Dinner that Court cases and Lincoln’s interpretation of evening will be held at the historic South the Constitution and presidential power Mountain Inn in Boonsboro, MD. during war time. His new book, John Brown’s Trial (Harvard University Press, 2009), will After dinner, the bus will stop at the Ken- be released in October (see page 8). The lec- nedy Farmhouse for those who wish to ture is being sponsored by the West Virginia participate in a commemorative pilgrimage Humanities Council. to Harpers Ferry. The five mile hike (sturdy shoes required) will follow the footsteps of Following the lecture, the Charles Town Brown and his raiders from the farmhouse to Opera House will present “Sword of the the ferry. For those participants who wish to Spirit,” a drama based on the letters be- visit the farmhouse but not make the hike, a tween John and Mary Brown. shuttle bus will provide transportation back to the visitor center. Friday evening will also An optional bus trip to Franklin County, have a viewing of the film “Santa Fe Trail” Pennsylvania will be available to partici- at the Mather Training Center. A discussion pants on Friday, October 16. The tour in- will follow. cludes a stop in Chambersburg, PA to see the Mary Ritner House, where John Brown The optional field trip to Franklin County is and raider John Henry Kagi took lodging as an additional cost. Brown planned the raid. Chambersburg will also include a stop at the jail where raider Please call (304) 535-6881 or visit www. John Cook was housed after his capture, johnbrownraid.org for registration details, and the quarry site where Brown, Frederick pricing, a symposium itinerary, registration Douglass, and raider met in form, and lodging information. August, 1859.

After the quarry, the tour will proceed to Mont Alto to visit the historic chapel where Brown attended church. Stops will also  3 2009 Don Redman Heritage Concert The Harpers Ferry Historical Association American jazz drummer Charli Persip was and the Jefferson County NAACP will born in Morristown, NJ. Starting in his sponsor the Eighth Annual Don Redman early twenties, he toured and recorded with Heritage Awards and Concert at 6:00 p.m. Dizzie Gillespie’s big and small bands, Harry on Saturday, June 27, on the grounds of the “Sweets” Edison’s quintet, and the Harry Mather Training Center in Harpers Ferry. James Orchestra. In 1960 he formed his own Jazz legends Phil Woods and Charli Persip group, the Jazz Statesmen. Persip has record- will perform, along with Baltimore’s Howard ed with several formidable jazz musicians Burns Quartet. Named for one of Storer including Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, College’s most successful graduates, the Melba Liston, Kenny Dorham, Zoot Sims, Grammy winner Phil Woods free concert celebrates jazz as an American and Don Ellis. From 1960 to 1973 he toured is one of several performers cultural treasure. as a drummer and conductor with Billy Eck- who will participate in this stine. Also an educator, Persip has been the year’s Don Redman Heritage Grammy winner Phil Woods is perhaps best drum and music instructor for New York’s Concert. known for his recorded alto sax permanence Jazzmobile, Inc., and Associate Professor at on Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are.” Born the New School for Jazz and Contemporary in Springfield, MA, Woods studied at the Music in Manhattan. Manhattan School of Music and The Juil- liard School. After graduation, he quickly Howard Burns is a graduate of Howard Uni- earned a reputation as the pre-eminent bop versity and the Royal Conservatory of Mu- saxophonist of the day. He has recorded or sic in Belgium. Since 1990 he has been the performed with Quincy Jones, Buddy Rich, Music Instructor and Director for the Fred- Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Wes erick Community College Jazz Ensemble. Montgomery, Gene Krupa, Benny Good- Burns has performed in many Jazz Festivals man, Paul Simon, and . and Music Clinics throughout Maryland, In 1978 Woods co-founded the Delaware Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Vir- Water Gap Celebration of the Arts. Every ginia, including the Don Redman Concert. September the organization hosts an arts festival in the town of Delaware Gap.

Descendants Visit Harpers Ferry for Kick-off Event Descendants of Raider John Cook trav- Visitors to the park that day also enjoyed eled from New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, and activities centered on life in Harpers Ferry California to be at the opening in 1859. Participants took a walking tour, event of the John Brown Raid Ses- milked a “cow,” planned an 1859 wedding, quicentennial: A Prelude to History: and helped the living history staff and vol- the Wedding of Virginia Kennedy. unteers host a reception. The John Brown Those in attendance included three Museum also held a special exhibit which of Cook’s great-grandsons, a great- focused on 19th century wedding traditions. great-granddaughter, and a great- The display included dresses, shoes, photos, great-great-granddaughter. As part quilts, and the all important wedding cake. of their visit, the family members viewed a special John Cook exhibit Standing (left to right): Camille Berkowitz and were treated to the dramatic and Ernie Hansen (great-grandson) of presentation, My Conspirator by New Jersey; Sheila and Arthur Hansen Cynthia Goetz, who dressed in (great-grandson) of California; Larry, Jean period costume for her portrayal (great-great-granddaughter), and Jessica of John Cook’s sister, Katie. Ray Linner (great-great-great-granddaughter) of Hansen, Cook’s oldest living de- Georgia. scendant, afterward told Goetz that her 4 presentation under the tent “brought tears Sitting: Ray (great-grandson) and Pat Han-  to my eyes.” sen of Florida. Please visit www.john- Upcoming Sesquicentennial Events brownraid.org for further details. New events and Four states are planning events to com- Town. Prior to his execution, Brown in- press releases are being memorate the 150th Anniversary of John scribed and presented his jailhouse bible to added frequently. Brown’s Raid. Please visit www.johnbrown- Blessing. The Blessing house is now owned raid.org for further details. New events and by the Jefferson County Black History Pres- press releases are being added frequently. ervation Society. Currently the house is not open to the public on a regular basis. Join a June 1 – October 31, 2009 guide for a special sesquicentennial tour of Exhibition, “From the First Shot to the the John Blessing house. 10:00 A.M. 303 Gallows: Winchester’s Involvement with East North Street, Charles Town, WV. Con- the John Brown Raid” tact: George Rutherford, (304) 725-9610, Sponsored by the Winchester-Frederick jeffctywvblackhistory.org. County Historical Society, this exhibit focuses on rare artifacts that tell the story June 28, July 26, August 23, 2009 of Winchester’s involvement with the John John Brown Walking Tour of Charles Brown raid. Free admission. Monday – Town, Jefferson County Saturday 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sunday Join a guide for a two-hour walking tour of 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. The Hollingsworth John Brown related sites in Charles Town. Mill,1360 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Win- Sponsored by the Jefferson County Black chester, VA. Contact: Cissy Shull, (540) History Preservation Society. Meet 662-6550, website: www.winchesterhistory. at 2:00 P.M. at the Jefferson County org. Courthouse, Charles Town, WV. Contact: James Tolbert, (304) 725- June 1 – October 31, 2009 7852, jeffctywvblackhistory.org. Exhibition, “A Militia, A Medical College, and A Judge: Winchester’s Connection to June 30, 2009 the John Brown Raid” John Brown at Hagerstown Designed by and for students, this exhibit An afternoon outdoor concert and focuses on Winchester’s connection to the an evening presentation by Historian John Brown Raid. Free admission. 9:00 Stephen Bockmiller. The concert will A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily except major holi- feature songs based on the story of John days. The Winchester-Frederick County Brown, his friends and his supporters. All Visitor’s Center in Davis Hall, 1400 S. material written and preformed by Greg Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, VA. Con- Artzner and Terry Leonino. The presenta- John Brown, May 1859. tact: Ann Denkler (540) 678-4334, www. tion will be held in the Academy Theatre The portrait is a copy of an visitwinchesterva.com. Banquet and Conference Center, and will original photograph by J.W. feature the story behind the capture of John Black of Boston, Mass. Brown June 7 – August 30, 2009 Brown, Robert E. Lee and the US Marines. appears standing with a long “In the Footsteps of John Brown” Concert: 4:00 P.M. University Plaza, 50 beard, long-tail coat, vest, Join a park ranger and discover that John West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD. and trousers. (Harpers Ferry Brown’s Raid actually covered several miles, Contact: James Neville (301) 791-3132 NHP). over 30 buildings and hundreds of people. or Tom Riford (301) 791-3246. Presenta- Discover some of these places and people tion: 7:00 P.M. Academy Theatre Banquet on this two hour, two mile walking tour of & Conference Center, 58 E. Washington Harpers Ferry. Sundays in June, July, and St, Hagerstown, MD. Contact: Tom Riford August, 11:00 A.M. Harpers Ferry National (301) 791-3246. www.marylandmemories. Historical Park, (304) 535-6029, www.nps. com; www.washingtoncountyarts.com. gov/hafe. July 12, 2009 June 27, July 25, August 22, 2009 Kennedy Farm Open House Tour of the John Blessing House The 150th anniversary of the arrival of John Frederick Blessing was a local baker “Isaac Smith” and sons. The afternoon will and confectioner who befriended John include tours, demonstrations and refresh- 5 Brown during his imprisonment in Charles continued on page 6  August 8-9, 2009 Frederick Militia & Fire Company Days The city of Frederick will celebrate the mili- tia support provided to Virginia in response to John Brown’s Raid. The support came from the militia companies that were part of the city’s fire companies. The event will include lectures, living history demonstra- tions, antique fire equipment and a down- town outdoor celebration along Carroll Creek. 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Linear Park at Carroll Creek, Frederick, MD. Contact: George Wunderlich (301) 695-1864. www. civilwarmed.org/index.cfm.

August 14, 2009 “Perfect Steel Trap” TGIF program featuring Fred Morsell as Frederick Douglass on the Courthouse steps. Above: Kennedy Farm. Sesquicentennial Events Evening activities include a reception and a Continued from Page 5 gospel concert followed by an encore perfor- Below: Jim Getty as Abraham ments. Sponsored by Kennedy Farm Foun- mance by Fred Morsell. 12:00 P.M. & 6:30 Lincoln. dation. 12:00 – 4:00 P.M. 2406 Chestnut P.M. Courthouse Steps & Capital Theater, Grove Rd, Sharpsburg, MD. Contact: Todd Chambersburg, PA. Contact: Ann Hull Bolton (304) 535-6026. www.johnbrown.org/ (717) 264-1667. pafch.tripod.com. toc.htm. August 14, 2009 July 25, 2009 Descendants Reception “Slavery, the Abolitionist Movement and A reception and program to honor the Reflections of Jefferson” descendants of John Brown’s Raid sponsored An insightful dramatic presentation on the by the Jefferson County NAACP. 6:30 issue of slavery featuring Jim Getty as Abra- P.M. Charles Town Visitor Center, 108 N. ham Lincoln and Bill Barker as Thomas Jef- George St, Charles Town, WV. Contact: ferson. 1:00 P.M. & 3:00 P.M. Harpers Ferry Lyn Widmyer (304) 725-4326. www.harpers- National Historical Park, (304) 535-6029. ferrywv.net/NAACP.htm. www.nps.gov/hafe. August 15, 2009 16th Annual African American Cultural Heritage Festival Theme of this year’s parade will be to honor the descendants of John Brown’s Raid 12:00 P.M. West Washington St, Charles Town, WV. Contact: George Rutherford, (304) 725-9610. www.harpersferrywv.net/NAACP. htm.

August 15, 2009 “Dinner with John Brown & Frederick Douglass” Dinner with John Brown and Frederick Douglass - A Franklin County Historical Society - Kittochtinny Event at Quincy Vil- lage, Quincy, PA. Contact: Ann Hull (717) 264-1667. pafch.tripod.com. 6  August 19, 21, 2009 and Robert E. Lee, who was assigned to “John Brown’s Body” quash Brown’s attempted rebellion. Both An adaptation of the epic poem by Stephen men became and remain major symbols of Vincent Benet, sponsored by the Harpers this uniquely American conflict. Warner Ferry Town Foundation. Camp Hill United Crocker, Wayside Theatre’s Artistic Direc- Methodist Church, Harpers Ferry, WV. tor, wrote the play first produced in 2004, Contact: Betsy Bainbridge (304) 535-2030. and Steve Przybylski composed the music. www.harpersferryfoundation.org. 7853 Main Street, Middletown, VA. Con- tact: Cephe Place (540) 869-1776. www. August 29 – September 26, 2009 waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre’s production of Robert E. Lee & John Brown, Lighting the Fuse For a schedule of non-sesquicentennial Park A historical drama with music, this two act events call 304-535-6029 or visit the park stage production focuses on John Brown website at www.nps.gov/hafe. and his infamous raid on Harpers Ferry,

Harpers Ferry Historical Association Membership Application

❏ I wish to join the Harpers Ferry Historical Association (new member) ❏ I am not interested in receiving member ben- ❏ I wish to renew my membership (renewal) efits, but I would like to make a contribution in the amount of ______to aid the mission Please enroll me in the following member category (check one): of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association. ❏ $25 Armory Worker – Basic membership for a family household. Benefits include a newsletter subscription, a 15% discount on all ❏ I am a Charter Member and would like to bookshop purchases, a vinyl decal, and invitations to annual meeting make a donation of ______. and events. ❏ Check if this is a new address for you ❏ $25 Sarah Jane Foster – An alternative basic membership for edu- cators. Benefits include the above plus open house for teachers and discounts on programs for teachers. ______❏ $45 Millwright – For those members who are frequent visitors to Name the park. Benefits are the same as Armory Worker category plus a 12-month Harpers Ferry Park entrance pass. ______❏ $100 Master Armorer – A supporting membership category. In- Address cludes all benefits of the Millwright category plus a “John Brown’s ______Fort” ornament of the Harpers Ferry Train Station, member recogni- City State Zip tion in our newsletter and at our annual meeting, and a special tour. ❏ $250 Paymaster – For businesses, vendors or family donors who ______wish to contribute to the Association’s mission. Benefits include Telephone 15% discount on all bookshop purchases; a newsletter subscription; ______vinyl decal; invitations to annual meetings, events, and association- E-mail sponsored education programs; a 12-month park pass; “John Brown’s Fort” ornament; recognition in newsletter and at annual meeting; Please clip and mail to: special tour; and additional membership card. Harpers Ferry Historical Association P.O. Box 197 ❏ $500 Armory Superintendent – For supporters (individual and Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 corporate) who wish to perpetuate Association and Park education

programs. Benefits include 15% discount on all bookshop purchases, Toll-free: 1-800-821-5206 a newsletter subscription, vinyl decals, invitations to annual meet- Phone: (304) 535-6881 ing, events, and education programs, “John Brown’s Fort” ornament, Fax: (304) 535-6749 recognition in the newsletter and at annual meeting, special tour, an Email: [email protected] Amercia the Beautiful pass (for use in all parks) for individuals, and a display plaque for businesses.

 7 The Harpers Ferry Historical Harpers Ferry Historical Association Non-Profit Organization Association operates the Na- Post Office Box 197 U.S. Postage tional Park Bookshop in Lower Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 PAID Town Harpers Ferry. Profits Harpers Ferry, WV from sales are returned to the 25425 park to support interpretive­ and Permit No. 12 educational programs to enhance your visit. You are invited to join this unique organization and be a part of Harpers Ferry’s special family. For more information call (304) 535-6881, send e-mail to [email protected], or visit our website at www. harpersferryhistory.org.

ARPERS FERRY istorical Association

Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r Deborah K. Piscitelli John Brown’s Trial by Brian McGinty

Ed i t o r Mixing idealism with Historians have long cred- David T. Gilbert violence, abolitionist ited the Harpers Ferry raid John Brown cut a wide with rousing the country to Bo a r d o f Di r e c t o r s James Silvia, President swath across the United a fever pitch of sectionalism Wayne Welty, Treasurer States before winding up in and accelerating the onset Anne Long Virginia, where he led an of the Civil War. McGinty Suzanne Silvia attack on the U.S. armory sees Brown’s trial, rather Midge Flinn Yost and arsenal at Harpers than his raid, as the real Ferry. Supported by a “pro- turning point in the visional army” of 21 men, struggle between North Brown hoped to rouse the and South. If Brown had slaves in Virginia to rebel- been killed in Harpers lion. But he was quickly Ferry (as he nearly was), captured and, after a short or condemned to death but stormy trial, hanged on in a summary court- December 2, 1859. martial, his raid would have had little effect. Brian McGinty provides the Because he survived to first comprehensive account of the trial, stand trial before a Virginia judge and jury, which raised important questions about and argue the case against slavery with an jurisdiction, judicial fairness, and the nature eloquence that reverberated around the of treason under the American constitution- world, he became a symbol of the struggle to al system. After the jury returned its guilty abolish slavery and a martyr to the cause of verdict, an appeal was quickly disposed freedom. of, and the governor of Virginia refused to grant clemency. Brown met his death not as John Brown’s Trial (Harvard University an enemy of the American people but as an Press, 2009) will be released in October. enemy of Southern slaveholders. 8 