' And off went the eager
artist. With some difficulty he procured an interview with the
prisoner. But woman is far-sighted; sure enough the answer
came, 'Nonsense; give the money to the poor.' But the artist
pleaded, 'Posterity will want to see what you were like.' Said
the man who longed that his work rather than his memory should
live, 'No consequence to posterity how I looked; give the money
to the poor.' However, the name of Mrs. Steams prevailed at
last, and with a thankful look he said, 'She must have what she
desires; take the measurements.'
The day of execution, December 2, 1859, drew near. Excitement
increased, and for the first time in the history of the Union
the passport system was introduced by the State Government of
Virginia, and was maintained during the last eight days of
Brown's life, lest haply aid from the North should be organized.
Troops were present to the number of 3,000, around the scaffold
at Charlestown, when he was carried forth to die. Rumour
alleged that he had on the way to the scaffold taken a slave
child from its mother's arms and kissed it. But, credible as it
may have been to many, those who were present knew he was too
closely pinioned and guarded for it to be possible.
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