nd wash
the dishes. This style of housekeeping struck me as a little odd. I
mention it because household management is worthy of thought. A house
is more than brick and mortar, wood or paint; this to me at least was.
In its plainness it was a truthful reflection of its inmates: no
disguises, no illusions, no make-believes here, but stern truth and
solid purpose breathed in all its arrangements. I was not long in
company with the master of this house before I discovered that he was
indeed the master of it, and likely to become mine too, if I staid
long with him. He fulfilled St. Paul's idea of the head of the
family--his wife believed in him, and his children observed him with
reverence. Whenever he spoke, his words commanded earnest attention.
His arguments which I ventured at some points to oppose, seemed to
convince all, his appeals touched all, and his will impressed all.
Certainly I never felt myself in the presence of a stronger religious
influence than while in this house. "God and duty, God and duty," run
like a thread of gold through all his utterances, and his family
supplied a ready "Amen." In person he was lean and sinewy, of the best
New England mould, built for times of trouble, fitted to grapple with
the flintiest hardships. Clad in plain American woolen, shod in boots
of cowhide leather, and wearing a cravat of the same substantial
material, under six feet high, less than one hundred and fifty lbs. in
weight, aged about fifty, he presented a figure straight and
symmetrical as a mountain pine. His bearing was singularly impressive.
His head was not large, but compact and high. His hair was coarse,
strong, slightly gray and closely trimmed and grew close to his
forehead. His face was smoothly shaved and revealed a strong square
mouth, supported by a broad and prominent chin. His eyes were clear
and grey, and in conversation they alternated with tears and fire.
When on the street, he moved with a long springing, race-horse step,
absorbed by his own reflections, neither seeking nor shunning
observation. Such was the man whose name I heard uttered in
whispers--such was the house in which he lived--such were his family
and household management--and such was Captain John Brown.

He said to me at this meeting, that he had invited me to his house
for the especial purpose of laying before me his plan for the speedy
emancipation of my race. He seemed to apprehend opposition on my part
as he opened the subject and t