John Brown at age fifty  
copy of original daguerreotype ca. 1848/50 taken in Troy, New York
photographer possibly Samuel Lear Walker  
Sixth plate daguerreotype by M. M. Lawrence Studio in New York,
Edwin Church (partner of S.L. Walker)

Anonymous owner.  Digital reproduction Collection of Jean Libby, Allies for Freedom


Tossed in a bureau drawer,

a-moldering twixt the Good Lord bird

and firebell in the night

Mirrored silver put to right.

Gilt and leather measure the palm

Yardstick law would find guilty as charged

To hang by the neck until this guilty land Under God

Should be forever free.



Jean Libby, Allies for Freedom, April 17, 2014