Midnight Rising

John Brown, an American abolitionist, remains one of the most controversial and pivotal figures in pre-Civil War America. His 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry highlighted the deep divisions within the country over enslavement. Brown’s fervent belief in the moral wrongness of enslavement led him to advocate for violent action against enslavers, which distinguished him from other abolitionists who pursued change through nonviolent means. Horwitz’s portrayal of Brown is complex, capturing his fiery zeal, religious fervor, and strategic miscalculations that led to the raid’s failure. Yet Brown’s execution transformed him into a martyr for the abolitionist cause in the North, while the South viewed him as a terrorist. Horwitz’s exploration of Brown’s life, motivations, and the aftermath of the raid offers insights into the ways in which individual actions can spark broader social and political changes. Brown’s legacy is a testament to the power of conviction and the impact of his actions on the course of American history.

Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person who became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, is known for his eloquence and powerful advocacy for the abolition of enslavement and equal rights for African Americans. Douglass’s interactions with Brown, detailed in Horwitz’s narrative, reveal the complexities of the abolitionist movement and the varied strategies its leaders employed. Douglass admired Brown’s commitment but disagreed with his tactics, fearing the violent approach at Harpers Ferry would harm the cause. Horwitz’s account sheds light on Douglass’s pivotal role in shaping the discourse on enslavement and freedom, highlighting his contributions as a writer, speaker, and thinker. Through Douglass’s legacy, Horwitz underscores the importance of voice, pen, and moral conviction in the fight against oppression, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and dilemmas faced by those who sought to end enslavement in America.

Before his renown as a Confederate general, Robert E. Lee played a crucial role in suppressing Brown’s raid as a colonel in the United States Army, and his involvement in the raid underscores the national significance of the event. Horwitz’s narrative captures Lee’s tactical efficiency in capturing Brown, focusing on his military prowess and highlighting the complex loyalties that would later define his career. Horwitz provides a balanced view of Lee, acknowledging his military skills while also highlighting the moral and ethical quandaries posed by his allegiance to the Confederacy. Lee’s actions at Harpers Ferry and throughout the Civil War embody the nation’s fraught struggle with enslavement, state rights, and union.

Harriet Tubman, renowned for her role in the Underground Railroad and her daring efforts to lead enslaved people to freedom, emerges in Horwitz’s account as a figure of immense courage and strategic genius. Tubman’s interactions with Brown, whom she supported but did not join at Harpers Ferry due to illness, illustrate her commitment to abolition and her pragmatic approach to activism. Horwitz highlights Tubman’s remarkable life, from her own self-emancipation from enslavement to her leadership in guiding others to freedom, underscoring her significance not only in the context of Brown’s raid but also in the broader struggle against enslavement. Tubman’s legacy, as presented by Horwitz, is a powerful reminder of the individual and collective bravery required to confront and dismantle the institution of enslavement in America.

James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, served in the years leading up to the Civil War, one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Horwitz examines Buchanan’s presidency in the context of the escalating crisis over enslavement, including his administration’s response to Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. Buchanan’s attempts to maintain peace between the North and South, and his inability to effectively address the divisions tearing the country apart, are critical to understanding the political climate of the time. Horwitz’s portrayal of Buchanan highlights the challenges of leadership in a deeply divided nation and the consequences of inaction in the face of moral and constitutional crises. Buchanan’s legacy, as explored by Horwitz, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise when fundamental human rights are at stake.

Mary Ann Brown, John Brown’s devoted wife, played a significant supporting role in her husband’s abolitionist activities. Horwitz’s narrative sheds light on her resilience, dedication, and the personal sacrifices she made for the cause. Despite the loss of her husband and several children to the abolitionist struggle, Mary Ann remained an unwavering supporter of John Brown’s mission. Horwitz portrays her not just as a wife and mother but also as a quiet pillar of strength, whose support was crucial to Brown’s efforts and whose story illustrates the often-unrecognized contributions of women to the abolitionist movement. Mary Ann’s experiences, as detailed by Horwitz, reflect the deeply personal toll of the fight against enslavement and the strength required to stand by one’s convictions in the face of adversity.

Osborne Anderson was one of the few African American participants in Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. Anderson, a free Black man, joined Brown’s mission with the hope of striking a decisive blow against the institution of enslavement. His subsequent escape and account of the raid, published as A Voice from Harper’s Ferry, offers insights into the planning, execution, and aftermath of the failed insurrection. Horwitz uses Anderson’s narrative to highlight the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in the abolitionist movement, emphasizing the diversity of support for Brown’s cause. Anderson’s story, as presented by Horwitz, illustrates the complexities of racial dynamics within the abolitionist movement and the courage of those who risked everything for the promise of freedom. His survival and testimony reveal the often-overlooked roles that African Americans played in the struggle against enslavement, challenging narratives that minimize their agency and contributions.

John Wilkes Booth’s presence at Brown’s execution is a haunting prelude to his later assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, illustrating the interconnectedness of significant events leading up to and during the Civil War. Booth, then a famous actor and fervent supporter of the Southern cause, witnessed Brown’s execution, a moment that solidified his own resolve to defend what he viewed as the Southern way of life at any cost. Horwitz draws attention to this moment to underscore the deep ideological divides that fractured the United States and to contextualize the impending conflict. Booth’s transformation from a spectator at Brown’s execution to Lincoln’s assassin encapsulates the escalating tensions and the tragic trajectory of American politics in the 19th century. Through the inclusion of Booth, Horwitz illustrates the dramatic and tragic reverberations of Brown’s raid.