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  • Essay / How Significant Is the Harpers Ferry Raid

    Ten men were killed in the Harpers Ferry Raid and four escaped. In a New York Times editorial, Henry Raymond wrote in October 1859: “The history of Harpers Ferry, judged on its merits, proves little or nothing of immediate importance, either political or social” (Finkelman 119). In the trial, John Brown was convicted of treason against the Commonwealth of Virginia. On December 2, John Brown was executed. On the day of his execution, Brown declared: “I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this culprit: will never be erased; but with Blood. I had, as I think now: flattered myself about it in vain, without much bloodshed; it could be done. The other six looters were executed over the next three months. Many abolitionists felt sadness over this event, but frightened southerners began to