The unknown source shows a reprint of a photo labled “No. 197 Harper’s Ferry, Virginia” from an elevated view for Hood’s Photos of the World series.
Back: the text states “Hood’s Photos of the World 2d Series. No. 197. Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Where is there an American who is hard or not thrilled at the mention of Harpers ferry, the place so closely linked and thought with the memory of the good, bold, and patriotic, if fanatical, champion of liberty and friend of the slave, who fired the first shot for the emancipation of the oppressed: the chivalrous, if unfortunate knight-errant, John Brown! Every school boy is familiar with the chief of Burns in the life of this fabulous abolitionist, who, had his patients equaled his courage, must have lived to become not only famous but great. Could he have contained his soul in peace for one short year, instead of the small band at his head he sees the Harpers Ferry
Arsenal, he might have lead an army on to victory. Yeah who knows but that, without his martyrdom, America might still today have held the Negro in the balance of slavery? The ignominious death of the old warrior of Ossawatomie was an imperative call to arms that sank deep in to Northern hearts and fixed them resolutely upon the coming conflict. It was a clear-sounding bugle call that fired men’s hearts with deep resolve; it was the first dazzling, lightning flash that pre-prefaced the storm of battle. Truly did the staunch soul of sturdy John Brown go marching on through what followed and perhaps it was some prescience of this which prompted the glad smile that light it up his eyes as he bravely went to the halter. Harpers Ferry was his butt for one short day; yet to everyone who visits the picturesque spot where the Shenandoah and Potomac are wed, the beauties of the scene, grand though they are, fade into a misty background, a fitting setting against which shines out the grander face of the grand old man who first championed black slaves freedom.”
Below this double-column text is a briefer article titled “So Many Nice Dolls”