Brown, John
An abolitionist of the nineteenth century who sought to free the slaves by military force. After leading several attacks in Kansas, he planned to start an uprising among the slaves. In 1859, he and a small band of followers took over a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, in Virginia. A detachment of marines reclaimed the arsenal and captured Brown, who was tried for treason, convicted, and hanged.
notes for Brown, John
Robert E.
Lee, soon to be commanding general of the main
Confederate army, led the marines who captured Brown.
notes for Brown, John
In death, Brown became a martyr for abolitionists. “
John Brown's Body,” a popular song in the North during the
Civil War, had this refrain: “John Brown's body lies a-mold'ring in the grave; His soul goes marching on.”