LIFE AT KENNEDY FARM.
To a passer-by, the house and its surroundings presented but
indifferent attractions. Any log tenement of equal dimensions would
be as likely to arrest a stray glance. Rough, unsightly, and aged, it
was only those privileged to enter and tarry for a long time, and to
penetrate the mysteries of the two rooms it contained--kitchen, parlor,
dining-room below, and the spacious chamber, attic, store-room, prison,
drilling room, comprised in the loft above--who could tell how we lived
at Kennedy Farm.
Every morning, when the noble old man was at home, he called the
family around, read from his Bible, and offered to God most fervent
and touching supplications for all flesh; and especially pathetic were
his petitions in behalf of the oppressed. I never heard John Brown
pray, that he did not make strong appeals to God for the deliverance of
the slave. This duty over, the men went to the loft, there to remain
all the day long; few only could be seen about, as the neighbors were
watchful and suspicious. It was also important to talk but little
among ourselves, as visitors to the house might be curious. Besides
the daughter and daughter-in-law, who superintended the work, some one
or other of the men was regularly detailed to assist in the cooking,
washing, and other domestic work. After the ladies left, we did all the
work, no one being exempt, because of age or official grade in the
organization.
The principal employment of the prisoners, as we severally were when
compelled to stay in the loft, was to study Forbes’ Manual, and to
go through a quiet, though rigid drill, under the training of Capt.
Stevens, at some times. At others, we applied a preparation for
bronzing our gun barrels--discussed subjects of reform--related our
personal history; but when our resources became pretty well exhausted,
the _ennui_ from confinement, imposed silence, etc., would make the men
almost desperate. At such times, neither slavery nor slaveholders were
discussed mincingly. We were, while the ladies remained, often relieved
of much of the dullness growing out of restraint by their kindness.
As we could not circulate freely, they would bring in wild fruit and
flowers from the woods and fields. We were well supplied with grapes,
paw-paws, chestnuts, and other small fruit, besides bouquets of fall
flowers, through their thoughtful consideration.
During the several weeks I remained at the encampment, we were under
the restraint I write of through the day; but at night, we sallied
out for a ramble, or to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful
solitude of the mountain scenery around, by moonlight.
Captain Brown loved the fullest expression of opinion from his men,
and not seldom, when a subject was being severely scrutinized by Kagi,
Oliver, or others of the party, the old gentleman would be one of the
most interested and earnest hearers. Frequently his views were severely
criticised, when no one would be in better spirits than himself.
He often remarked that it was gratifying to see young men grapple
with moral and other important questions, and express themselves
independently; it was evidence of self-sustaining power.