Yesterday I went to the much awaited execution of the Villainous John Brown. Why would such a man butcher innocent people or give weapons to the inferior. It doesn’t make sense why he would try to bring his race down. It was a very happy day for the south and many people came out to see it. Families came with their packed lunches, and you could feel the excitement in the air. I was actually a little surprised with the amount of people that were at the execution probably 500.I had seen an execution before so it didn't affect me when he was being raised up. When it was finally done people were applauding and trying to get there pictures of it. I was glad and felt a lot safer because with that kind of madman running around you never knew who was next.

-- John Baker

​Journal Entry # 3
December 3, 1859