John Brown: An Address at the 14th Anniversary of Storer CollegeDouglass, Frederick
History
John Brown: An Address at the 14th Anniversary of Storer College
Douglass, Frederick
Brown, John, 1800-1859
long with him. He fulfilled St. Paul's idea of the head of the
family--his wife believed in him, and his children observed him with
reverence. Whenever he spoke, his words commanded earnest attention.
His arguments which I ventured at some points to oppose, seemed to
convince all, his appeals touched all, and his will impressed all.
Certainly I never felt myself in the presence of a stronger religious
influence than while in this house. "God and duty, God and duty," run
like a thread of gold through all his utterances, and his family
supplied a ready "Amen." In person he was lean and sinewy, of the best
New England mould, built for times of trouble, fitted to grapple with
the flintiest hardships. Clad in plain American woolen, shod in boots
of cowhide leather, and wearing a cravat of the same substantial
material, under six feet high, less than one hundred and fifty lbs. in
weight, aged about fifty, he presented a figure straight and
symmetrical as a mountain pine. His bearing was singularly impressive.
His head was not large, but compact and high. His hair was coarse,
strong, slightly gray and closely trimmed and grew close to his
forehead. His face was smoothly shaved and revealed a strong square
mouth, supported by a broad and prominent chin. His eyes were clear
and grey, and in conversation they alternated with tears and fire.
When on the street, he moved with a long springing, race-horse step,
absorbed by his own reflections, neither seeking nor shunning
observation. Such was the man whose name I heard uttered in
whispers--such was the house in which he lived--such were his family
and household management--and such was Captain John Brown.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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