The affair was the raid on Harper's Ferry, and the insurgents were fervent abolitionists led by a man named John Brown (1800-1859).

In the Historical Newspapers Graphical introduction to the sub-topic "John Brown's Raid," users learn that Brown had for years wanted to lead a war to free America's slaves. After working with black families in New York and trying to sway a key vote on slavery in Kansas, Brown evidently resolved that more dramatic action was necessary.

On the night of October 16, 1859, he and 21 accomplices attacked the federal armory at Harper's Ferry in Virginia. They sought guns to arm local slave populations. But the plan went awry, and Brown and his men were captured by U.S. marines under the command of Robert E. Lee. Brown was executed on December 2.

One hundred years later, the Times gathered five experts to discuss Brown's raid. The experts agreed on five main points about the raid, the last of which was that it had "a great impact" not only in the United States (where it provided the "spark" for the civil war) but also in England and Europe. The experts also agreed that Brown was sincerely motivated to "strike a blow at the institution of slavery" and that his plan had been "a good one for its purpose."


Harper's Ferry -- hallowed ground for some
Virginia, 2005
© 2005 Getty Images, Inc.

The language used in the later article could hardly be more different from that used by the Times reporter on the scene. In describing the events at the time, the special correspondent had called Brown the "scourge of southern Kansas" and branded him and his men "fanatics" and "outlaws."

Do a keyword search for "John Brown" (in quotes) and "Harper's Ferry" (ditto), limiting your results to front-page articles and editorials.

Quoting directly from articles covering at least three historical eras, describe how the depiction of John Brown in the press has changed over time.