HARPERS FERRY RAID: OCTOBER 16-18, 1859On the night of October 16, 1859, Brown and hisfollowers overran the federal arsenal (this is where thefederal government made and stored its weapons).Brown's intent was to steal the weapons in the arsenaland arm slaves to lead a slave revolt. Some of his menrounded up a handful of hostages. Word of the raidspread and by the following day Brown and his menwere surrounded. On October 18, a company of U.S.Marines, led by Colonel Robert E. Lee overran Brown and his followers.Brown was wounded and captured, while 10 of his men were killed,including two of his sons.JOHN BROWN EXECUTED: DECEMBER 2, 1859Brown was tried by the state of Virginia for treason and murder, andfound guilty on November 2. The 59-year-old abolitionist was sentencedto hang on December 2, 1859. Before his execution, he handed his guarda slip of paper that read, "I, John Brown, am now quite certain that thecrimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood." Itwas a prophetic statement. Although the raid failed, it inflamedsectional tensions and raised the stakes for the 1860 presidential election. Brown's raid helped makeanyfurther reconciliation between North and South nearly impossible and thus became an importantimpetus (motivation) of the Civil War Source B: A Letter To Mr. & Mrs. James H. Burton From George Mauzy, a citizen of Harpers Ferry,Virginia December 3, 1859"This has been one of the most remarkable circumstances that ever occurred in this country, this oldfanatic made no confession whatever, nor concession that he was wrong, but contended that he was rightin everything he done, that he done great service to God...but what else could be expected from him, oranyone else who are imbued (instilled) with 'Freeloveism, Socialism, Spiritualism,' and all the other ismsthat were ever devised (created) by man or devil."2. Does the author of this letter support John Brown and his actions? How do you know?Explain by citing textual evidence to support your response.3. Do you think John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry will further divide the nation and lead thecountry into civil war? Why or why not? Explain.4. Based on his actions, would you consider John Brown to be a terrorist or a hero? Why?Explain.

The author of the letter supports John Brown and his actions because he mentions words like “Brown…

in everything he done, that he done great service to God...but what else could be expected from him, or anyone else who are imbued (instilled) with Freeloveism, Socialism, Spiritualism,' and all the other isms that were ever devised (created) by man or devil." 2. Does the author of this letter support John Brown and his actions? How do you know? Explain by citing textual evidence to support your response. 3. Do you think John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry will further divide the nation and lead the country into civil war? Why or why not? Explain. 4. Based on his actions, would you consider John Brown to be a terrorist or a hero? Why? Explain.

in everything he done, that he done great service to God...but what else could be expected from him, or anyone else who are imbued (instilled) with Freeloveism, Socialism, Spiritualism,' and all the other isms that were ever devised (created) by man or devil." 2. Does the author of this letter support John Brown and his actions? How do you know? Explain by citing textual evidence to support your response. 3. Do you think John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry will further divide the nation and lead the country into civil war? Why or why not? Explain. 4. Based on his actions, would you consider John Brown to be a terrorist or a hero? Why? Explain.