[Autograph:  Antoinette Brown Blackwell]

On December 2, 1859, occurred that terrible tragedy in the country’s history, the execution of John Brown for the raid on the United States arsenal at Harper’s Ferry.  The nation was shaken as by a great earthquake.  Its dreadful import was realized perhaps by none so strikingly as by that little band of Abolitionists who never had wavered in their belief that slavery must ultimately disrupt the Union.  When the country was paralyzed with horror and uncertainty, they alone dared call public meetings of mourning and indignation.  It was natural that in Rochester they should turn to Susan B. Anthony for leadership.  Without a moment’s hesitation for fear of consequences she engaged Corinthian Hall and set about arranging a meeting for the evening of that day.  Parker Pillsbury wrote: 

Can you not make this gathering one of a popular character?  What I mean is will not some sturdy Republican or Gerrit Smith man preside, another act as secretary and several make addresses?  Only we must not lose the control.  I do not believe that any observance of the day will be instituted outside our ranks.  I am without tidings from the “seat of war” since Tuesday evening; and do not know what we shall hear next.  My voice is against any attempt at rescue.  It would inevitably, I fear, lead to bloodshed which could not compensate nor be compensated.  If the people dare murder their victim, as they are determined to do, and in the name of law, he dares and is prepared to die and the moral effect of the execution will be without a parallel since the scenes on Calvary eighteen hundred years ago, and the halter that day sanctified shall be the cord to draw millions to salvation.

[Autograph:  Parker Pillsbury]

Miss Anthony found that beyond the little band of Abolitionists not a person dared give her any assistance.  Her diary says:  “Not one man of prominence in religion or politics will publicly identify himself with the John Brown meeting.”  She went from door to door selling tickets and collecting money.  Samuel D. Porter, a prominent member of the Liberty party, assisted her, as did that circle of staunch Quaker friends who never failed her in any undertaking; Frederick Douglass had been obliged to flee to England.  An admission fee of fifty cents kept out the rabble, and not more than 300 were present.  The masses of the people, even those in full sympathy, were afraid to attend.  Rev. Abram Pryn, a Free church minister, made a fine address, and Parker Pillsbury spoke as never before.  Mr. Porter said:  “This was the only occasion that ever matched Pillsbury’s adjectives.”  Miss Anthony presided and there was no disturbance.  The surplus receipts were sent to John Brown’s family.