About That John Brown- Part 4: The Attack and Capture

John Brown developed a group of close associates referred to as The Secret Six.  He was definitely a religious fanatic by now.  The year 1859 saw John Brown heading for Harpers Ferry.  On July 3, 1859, he rented a farm across the river from Harpers Ferry.

Then came his attack on the armory at Harpers Ferry on October 16, 1859.  One of the first things he did was have Lewis Washington, a relative of George Washington, arrested.

At this time Brown became a national phenomenon.  Everyone in the South  was against him obviously.  People in the North at first were against him as well, but many soon considered him a hero.  The South became hysterical.

Even so, John Brown's group only numbered 18 men.

After his capture, three charges were brought against him at his trial:  1.  Treason, 2.  Murder,  3.  Inciting a slave rebellion.

For the newspapers it was the Trial of the Century.  To say the least, it captured the nation's attention.

--Old Secesh