Ellen Emerson sends me her fair copy of the Martyr Service.
At 2 P. M. we meet at the Town Hall, our own townspeople present mostly, and
many from the adjoining towns. Simon Brown is chairman; the readings are by
Thoreau, Emerson, C. Bowers, and Alcott; and Sanborn's “Dirge” is sung by the
company standing. The bells are not rung. I think not more than one or two of
Brown's friends wished them to be; I did not. It was more fitting to signify
our sorrow in the subdued way, and silently, than by any clamor of steeples or
the awakening of angry feelings or any conflict, as needless as unamiable,
between neighbors. The services are affecting and impressive, distinguished by
modesty, simplicity, and earnestness, — worthy alike of the occasion and of the
man.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 629-30
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