John Brown to a Reporter, either October 18 or 19, 1859

I intended to remain here but a few hours, but a lenient feeling towards the citizens led me into a parley with them as to compromise; and by prevarication on their part I was delayed until attacked, and then in self-defence was forced to intrench myself.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 561; “The Harper’s Ferry Rebellion,” The New York Times, New York, New York, Thursday, October 20, 1859, p. 1.