Brown and his
men were 'incarnate earnestness,' says one writer, and it was
that fervent devotion which made all that followed possible. It
became impossible for a government to wink at arson and murder.
'Take more care to end life well than to live long,' the old man
used to say, and he exemplified his doctrine.
His reckless bravery was proverbial. After one of their
successful skirmishes a wounded Missourian wished greatly to see
the redoubtable John Brown before he died. The captain went to
the wagon where he lay and said, 'Here I am; take a good look at
me; we wish you all no harm. Stay at home, leave us alone, and
we shall be friends. I wish you well.' The dying man looked at
him from head to foot, and, reaching out his hand, said, 'I don't
see as you are so bad. You don't look or talk like it. I thank
you.' Clasping his hand, the old captain said, 'God bless you,'
and his tears were the Amen. Thus tender was he ever with his
prisoners, despite his fierceness.
At length the United States Government saw the free settlers were
in no abject mood, and stepped in to their relief. John Brown
saw the dawn of better days, and then travelled away northward,
worn and sick, with a fugitive slave as a kind of trophy hidden
in his wagon.
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