ing had testified to his guilt and the Court ha(l ordered
the trial set, he was asked if he had counsel.
  He rose from his seat and addressed the nation, not
the Court:
  "Virginians, I did not ask for any quarter at the time
I was taken. I did not ask to have my life spared. The
Governor of the State of Virginia tenders me his assur-
ance that I shall have a fair trial, but under no circum-
stances whatever will I be able to have a fair trial. If
you seek my blood, you can have it at any moment, without
this mockery of a trial. I have no counsel. I am ready
for my fate. I do not wish a trial. I have now little
further to ask, other than that I may not be foolishly
insulted, as cowardly barbarians insult those who fall into
their power."
  The posing martyr was courting insults which had not
been offered him. He was grieved that he could not bring
the charge of barbarous treatment. He had been treated
by Colonel Lee with the utmost consideration. His wounds
had lreen dressed. He had received the best medical care.
He had eaten wholesome food. His jailor had proven
friendly and sympathetic.
  lie Went out of his way to insult the Court and the
people and invilte abuse. He demanded that he be executed
without trial.
  The Court calmly assigned him two of the ablest law-
:-ers in the county, and ordered the trial to proceed.
  At noon the following day the Grand Jury returned a
true bill against each of the prisoners for treason to the
eonimonwealth, and for conspiring with slaves to commit
bothl treason and murder, and for murder.
  Captain Avis, the kindly jailor, was ordered to bring
his prisoners into Court. He found old Brown in bed,
pretending to be ill. He refused to rise. He was deter-



285



THE MAN IN GRAY