s the Pottawatomie Massacre. No one would forget how brutal and bold John Brown was. Brown did not stop there. In December of 1858, he liberated 12 slaves in Missouri. $250 was put on his head. This and his success in withstanding a large party of attacking Missourians at Osawatomie in August made him famous. He was not the most popular man in the south.John Brown was a smart man. He knew that larger efforts were needed in the long run if slavery was ever to be abolished. Brown met with many other abolitionists, but his radical views scared away most of them. Brown was even able to meet with Frederick Douglass, a former slave and abolitionist himself. Brown and Douglass did not agree on many important issues. Douglass did not condone the violence that Brown insisted was necessary. Brown responded to Douglass’ words by saying, “No political action will ever abolish the system of slavery. It will have to go out in blood. Those men who hold slaves have even forfeited their right to live.” (Douglass 352) When asked if he would help Brown in his quest, Douglass refused. He viewed Brown’s plan as suicidal and barbaric. Even Abraham Lincoln commented on the absurdness of Brown’s actions. Although Brown’s life was full of minor setbacks he never seemed to lose track of what was important. He had devoted his life to anti-slavery, and saved many African-Americans from servitude. Brown was not pleased with his accomplishments. Slavery was still a huge part of the South’s culture and it seemed that the government would never succeed in or even try to abolish it. It seemed as if larger steps needed to be taken in a shorter period of time. Brown was sick of tolerating the vices of his southern neighbors. Brown began to gather money once again. Many abolitionists gave him large amounts of money. Before long he had $3,000. Brown used this money to buy weapons and ammunition. His goal ...
