John Brown’s Last Speech Performed by David Strathairn

On October 16th, 1859, John Brown and two dozen enslaved people seized the armory at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, aiming to use its weapons to end slavery. He was captured, brought to trial in Charleston, and found guilty of treason.

Brown denies all charges except for his admitted design to free enslaved people. He explains his previous success in freeing enslaved people in Missouri without violence and stated his intention to do the same on a larger scale at Harpers Ferry, denying any intent for murder, treason, property destruction, or inciting a rebellion.

Brown argues it is unjust for him to suffer such a penalty. He suggests that if he had interfered on behalf of the rich, powerful, or influential, his actions would have been deemed worthy of reward rather than punishment.

Brown appeals to what he believes is the law of God, referencing the Bible's teaching to 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and to 'remember them that are in bonds'. He states that interfering on behalf of the 'despised poor' was not wrong, but right.

Brown concludes by stating that if it is deemed necessary that he forfeit his life for the furtherance of justice and that his blood mingle with that of his children and the millions of enslaved people whose rights are disregarded, he submits to it.