John Brown led an army of eighteen men into the small town of Harper's Ferry, Virginia.

They captured the federal complex with ease.  They attacked an armory, an arsenal and an engine house. 

Brown sent out men to go into the towns and contact the slaves.  He told them to catch hostages, such as the great grandnephew of George Washington. 

Contrary to what he expected, many slaves did not rise up to support him. Instead, the militia and other citizens surrounded him and exchanged gunfire.

Ten of Brown's men had died and seven were captured.  Four townspeople had died and one of the marines from the militia died.

Colonel Robert E. Lee and his troops had arrived from Washington to arrest Brown.  They stormed into the engine house and captured Brown and the members of his group. 

Brown and his men were turned over to the Virginia authorities and were to be tried for treason.  

On November 2, Brown was tried for treason and found guilty for the conspiracy of slaves and first degree murder.  He was to be hanged in a month from then.  See OBITUARY for more details.