_Brown._ Upon the Golden Rule. I pity the poor in bondage that have none to help them: that is why I am here; not to gratify any personal animosity, revenge, or vindictive spirit. It is my sympathy with the oppressed and the wronged, that are as good as you and as precious in the sight of God. _Bystander._ Certainly. But why take the slaves against their will? _Brown._ I never did. _Bystander._ You did in one instance, at least. Stephens, the other wounded prisoner, here said, "You are right. In one case I know the negro wanted to go back." * * * * * _Vallandigham._ How far did you live from Jefferson? _Brown._ Be cautious, Stephens, about any answers that would commit any friend. I would not answer that. (Stephens turned partially over with a groan of pain, and was silent.) _Vallandigham._ Who are your advisers in this movement? _Brown._ I cannot answer that. I have numerous sympathizers throughout the entire North. _Vallandigham._ In northern Ohio? _Brown._ No more there than anywhere else; in all the free States. * * * * * _Bystander._ Why did you do it secretly? _Brown._ Because I thought that necessary to success; no other reason. _Bystander._ Have you read Gerrit Smith's last letter? _Brown._ What letter do you mean? _Bystander._ The "New York _Herald_" of yesterday, in speaking of this affair, mentions a letter in this way: "Apropos of this exciting news, we recollect a very significant passage in one of Gerrit Smith's letters, published a month or two ago, in which he speaks of the folly of attempting to strike the shackles off the slaves by the force of moral suasion or legal agitation, and predicts that the next movement made in the direction of negro emancipation would be an insurrection in the South." _Brown._ I have not seen the "New York _Herald_" for some days past; but I presume, from your remark about the gist of the letter, that I should concur with it. I agree with Mr. Smith that moral suasion is hopeless. I don't think the people of the slave States will ever consider the subject of slavery in its true light till some other argument is resorted to than moral suasion. _Vallandigham._ Did you expect a general rising of the slaves in case of your success? _Brown._ No, sir; nor did I wish it. I expected to gather them up from time to time, and set them free. _Vallandigham._ Did you expect to hold possession here till then?