Conversation

In 1859, Abolitionist John Brown was executed for “treason.” 1st American ever executed, for the crime of freeing the enslaved.

The 2nd American ever executed for treason was Aaron Dwight Stevens at 29yo, also an abolitionist. He served Brown during his failed raid on Harpers Ferry, VA.

Brown's raid lasted Oct 16 to 18, 1859. He initiated a slave revolt, now called the dress rehearsal to the Civil War.

A stark reminder that legality is not always a measure of justice & morality, but power.