Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 October 1889 — AT HARPER’S FERRY. [ARTICLE]

AT HARPER’S FERRY.

Unflinching Courage of Stevens in Face of Death. During the John Brown rrfid at Harper’s Ferry, says the Philadelphia Press, while Brown held the armory yard and engine house, he had pickets stationed at different points commanding the approaches. John Brown’s right-hand man, Lieut. Stevens, with four men, held the end of the bridge which crosses the Potomac until they were driven thence by the citizens of Harper's Ferry. They then retreated towards the engine house held by John Brown. Meantime ten or twelve men (citizens) entered the Gault House by means of the and, by 'firing from the windows, and doorway of the bar room of the saloon, they Were able to command the street-from the end of the bridge to the engine house. As Stevens and party retreated along this street they were fired upon by the men in the Gault house, and one of the men, Thompson by name, fell. Stevens did not know this until he reached the engine house. Nothing daunted, in the face of almost certain death, he returned alone and tried to carry his ■ friend and comrade, Thompson, away. He was fired at, and fell badly wounded, but not before ho had returned the fire. He and 'Phompson were then carried into—the Shenandoah hotel. Then Thompson was immediately taken out on the bridge and shot and his body thrown into the river. The crowd then re-

turned for Stevens. Just as they entered the room Mrs. Foulke, the wife of the landlord, entered, and with the tender heart and love of mercy of a woman, pleaded with the crowd to spare Stevens’ life. Stevens, supposing that they were going to kill him then and there, with an effort raised himself on his elbow and said: “Gentlemen, have respect for the lady; do not kill me in her presence, but take me out and kill me.” His bravery saved his life for the time. He was taken to Charlestown, and afterwards tried, convicted and hanged. He mounted the scaffold firm and unflinching, with a smile on his countenance.