Name Class Date John Brown, Address to the Court, November 2, 1859 A Divided Nation Primary Source Copyright ? by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. 20 A Divided Nation ABOUT THE READING The abolitionist John Brown led a raid on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. After his capture he was charged with murder, insurrection, and treason against the state of Virginia. The court found Brown guilty, and gave him a chance to say if there was any reason why he should not receive a death sentence. Brown took the opportunity to explain why he led the raid. VOCABULARY endeavored tried, attempted enactments laws As you read consider the reasons Brown provides for his belief that he was not guilty. I have, may it please the court, a few words to say.