James Redpath, The Public Life of Captain John Brown

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Chapter 2: some shadows before.

We were at supper, on the 25th of June, 1858, at a hotel in Lawrence, Kansas. A stately old man, with a flowing white beard, entered the room and took a seat at the public table. I immediately recognized in the stranger, John Brown. Yet many persons who had previously known him did not penetrate his patriarchal disguise. A phrenologist, who was conversing with me, having noticed him, suddenly turned and asked if I knew that man? Such a head, such developments, he said, were infallible indications of “a most remarkable person.”

I had several long conversations with the venerable hero, but do not deem it prudent to disclose their nature. Instead of relating, therefore, what I heard him say at this time, I subjoin some reminiscences by a friend, who was fully in his confidence, and filly worthy of it. These notes distinctly foreshadow the Liberator's plans; and, as they have been so grossly misrepresented, it is due to him, I think, that they should now be published, as far as prudence permits.

After premising that all the young men of principle