"Ask your people to assemble. I wish to read to them the President's order and the Governor's proclamation."
Whitfield called his men. In solemn tones Sumner read the documents.
Whitfield saw that his men were impressed.
"I shall not resist the authority of the General Government. My party will disperse."
He promptly ordered them to disband. In five minutes they had disappeared.
On the approach of the company of cavalry, John Brown, with a single guard, walked boldly forward to meet them.
Colonel Sumner heard his amazing request with rising wrath. He spoke as one commanding a body of coordinate power.
"I have come to suggest the arrangement of terms between our forces,"
Brown coolly suggested.
"No officer of law, sir," Sumner sternly replied, "can make terms with lawless, armed men. I am here to execute the orders of the President. You will surrender your prisoners immediately, disarm your men and disperse or take the consequences."
Brown turned without a word and slowly walked back to his camp. The
United States cavalry followed close at his heels with drawn sabers,
Stuart at their head.
Colonel Sumner summoned Brown before Sedgwick and Stuart and made to him an announcement which he thought but fair.