I did not ask for any quarter at the time I was taken; I did
not ask to have my life spared. The Governor of the State of Virginia tendered
me assurances that I should have a fair trial; but under no circumstances
whatever shall I be able to have a fair trial. If you seek my blood, you can
have it at any moment, without this mockery of a trial. I have had no counsel.
I have not been able to advise with any one. I know nothing about the feelings
of my fellow-prisoners, and am utterly unable to attend in any way to my own
defence. My memory doesn't serve me; my health is insufficient although
improving. There are mitigating circumstances that I would urge in our favor,
if a fair trial is to be had; but if we are to be forced with a mere form, a
trial for execution, you might spare yourselves that trouble. I am ready for my
fate. I beg for no mockery of a trial, no insult, — nothing but that which conscience
gives or cowardice drives you to practise. I ask again to be excused from the
mockery of a trial. I do not even know what the special design of this
examination is; I do not know what is to be the benefit of it to the Commonwealth.
I have now little further to ask, other than that I may not be foolishly
insulted, only as cowardly barbarians insult those who fall into their power.
SOURCES: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters
of John Brown, p. 572; James Campbell, Publisher, The John Brown Invasion, p. 25-6
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