John Brown Essay The dictionary defines the word terrorist as “a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” Some people describe the abolitionist John Brown as a terrorist. “Old John Brown” never aimed his actions at intimidating citizens, he tried to free slaves, not cause political unrest or intimidation. John Brown was a well-known abolitionist in the Bleeding Kansas time period. He freed hundreds of slaves, and eventually he tried to free as many slaves as he could with his raid on Harpers Ferry. He was tried for treason and executed, but his actions led to the abolishment of slavery. His place as a criminal or hero is still debated today, but several people want to settle the debate. Captain John Brown was a hero because he had support from several high ranking members of society, committees formed several acts to support his actions, and he freed many slaves throughout his work. …show more content…
For example, inside of document B states, “Captain John Brown of Kansas Territory is commended to be a highly respectable citizen of this state as a gentleman in every way worthy of entire confidence.” Later Salmon P. Chase, the writer of the letter, states that the Governor of Kansas supports Brown. Salmon Chase says he will always voice support for Brown. The Governor of Kansas even claims to support John Brown, and the main conflict is in the state of Kansas. Therefore, if several governors of the United States supported him and all of his movements, it must mean that John Brown was a