Abolitionist John Brown assembled 18 men to strike a blow against slavery by seizing the Federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. He succeeded in the effort, but was captured several days later by a force commanded by a company of United States Marines commanded by Brevet Colonel Robert E. Lee, who was on leave from the 2nd United States Cavalry Regiment, stationed in Texas. Lee sent Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart to negotiate the surrender of Brown and his men, who refused. The Marines stormed the arsenal, capturing Brown and his men.
Brown was put on trial in Virginia, accused of treason against the Commonwealth of Virginia, found guilty, and hanged. On the day of his execution, he wrote his last testament:
I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with Blood. I had, as I now think vainly, flattered myself that without very much bloodshed, it might be done.
Brown became a martyr to anti-slavery forces in the North and a villain to pro-slavery forces in the South.
@Brooski plays Raid on Harpers Ferry. 4IP to Conservative Leader (President King), Tension +1 (to 3).